The Intersection of Care: Nursing and Social Work Students Navigating Interprofessional Collaboration

Background:
Interprofessional collaboration is vital in nursing education, as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) standards emphasize. These standards ensure nursing programs equip students to function efficiently within healthcare teams. Similarly, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) uses Educational Policy and Accreditation Standards (EPAS), which mandates that social workers comprehend the roles of diverse professionals in interprofessional practice. Social workers utilize principles of collaboration to engage with clients, constituencies, and professionals effectively.
The purpose of this interprofessional simulation is to allow nursing and social work students to explore collaboration during an interprofessional home health simulation.
Methods:
Over two semesters, 162 students from Nursing (122) and Social Work (40) took part in an Interprofessional Education (IPE) Home Health Simulation, focusing on a veteran client's needs in a home environment. The simulation involved simultaneous video broadcasting. Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) students engaged in simulation and observed their peers to assess client care, collaboration, and skills performance. Reflective questions were employed as measurement tools to pinpoint areas of improvement based on peer observations during the scenario.
Results:
Qualitative results indicate that students obtained an increased appreciation and understanding of the professional roles of nurses and social workers and how they collaborate in practice. Students reflect on their perceived increase in confidence, competence, and communicative abilities after participation.
Conclusion:
Interprofessional simulations involving home health nursing and social work offer significant education and practical benefits. They improve collaboration and communication, enhance patient-centered care, prepare students for real-world complexities, increase understanding and respect of professional roles, build confidence and competence, and ultimately lead to better patient outcomes. These simulations are essential in training well-rounded, effective, and empathetic healthcare professionals.
Reflections:
The nursing and social work collaborative simulation shows the need for more interprofessional educational experiences to increase understanding of the healthcare role and the importance of interprofessional teamwork. Further quantitative studies are indicated to examine the effects of interprofessional simulation on student knowledge and confidence, and benefits of simultaneous video broadcast.