Interprofessional Simulation Learning Game Increases Socialization and Teamwork among Students of Health Professions Programs

Background: Interprofessional (IP) socialization is important to develop early in the training of health professions students. Purpose: This study compared changes in health professions students' IP socialization and readiness to function in IP teams and sought to understand students' participation experiences using a simulation learning game (Friday Night at the ER [FNER]). Methods: The single-center study targeted students in 13 health professions programs using a mixed-methods design. Student teams engaged in open discussion, played the game, and participated in team debriefing. Results: IP socialization increased from fairly great to great extent among all students. Qualitative analyses revealed 3 overarching themes supporting the development of IP communication and systems-based thinking. Program evaluation data revealed that students highly valued this experience as being effective and important to their professional development. Conclusions: An IP experience consisting of FNER gameplay and structured debriefing can improve IP socialization and lay the foundation for the development of IP skills among early health professions students.