Interprofessional learning: A pilot study of medical and children's nursing students participating in an acutely ill child simulation day

Objectives for the simulation day: • To provide students with the necessary knowledge to effectively assess a sick child • To teach the practical skills necessary for the effective management of childhood emergencies • To embed the acquisition of skills and knowledge through simulated practice • To practice working as a team using simulation • To foster inter-professional relationships and learning Process: Twenty-four undergraduate healthcare students (12 medical students and 12 children’s nursing students) participated in a one-day inter-professional clinical simulation event, which explored the assessment and treatment of acutely unwell children. The students were given pre-course reading based upon the Advanced Paediatric Life Support materials two weeks prior to their participation in the simulation. The day commenced with a number of short lectures and demonstrations, including: assessment of the acutely unwell child; basic life support for children; airway and breathing assessment and cardiac arrest protocols. Following this the students participated in workstations that explored all of the issues included in the lectures to enhance their skills and knowledge. The afternoon consisted of the students participating in three simulation scenarios: a child in asystole who had been electrocuted, a child with bronchiolitis who requires assessment and stabilisation and a child with an inflamed appendix who needs assessment, treatment and referral to a surgical team. Each student participated in one of the scenarios and feedback was given by the faculty and peers after each simulation. The faculty did not define the roles of the students and students were encouraged to think about their shared knowledge, skills and experience, rather than stereotypical performances of medical and nursing roles. Results and Outcomes: All of the students reported that attending the day, as well being enjoyable, increased their skills, knowledge and confidence in assessing acutely unwell children. This poster will present the data obtained from the post course evaluation