(147) Evaluation of Two Simulated Interprofessional Experiences to Demonstrate the Impact of Continuity of Patient Care

Objective : (1) Implement two simulated interprofessional activities to emphasize continuity of care (CoC), (2) assess student perceptions of CoC activities, and (3) evaluate student responses to the Interprofessional Education Competency (IPEC) self-assessment tool.

Methods: First year (P1) students collaborated with dental hygiene students to develop and document treatment recommendations for a patient case related to medication-induced dry mouth. The following year, second year (P2) students completed an interprofessional poverty simulation and were then given the same patient case. Students developed treatment recommendations based on the patient’s lack of insurance and recorded a voicemail for a provider. Students completed a post-survey after each activity, with questions about CoC and the IPEC self-assessment tool.

Results: Fifty-five students completed the activity in P1, and 53 students completed the activity in P2 (survey response rates 78% and 100%, respectively). Student responses to CoC questions were increased from P1 to P2, including importance of CoC (8.25 ± 1.73 vs 9.1 ± 1.00, p=0.0144), benefits of CoC (7.78 ± 2.10 vs 9.21 ± 1.03, p=0.0001), and comfort in providing care to CoC patients (7.26 ± 1.89 vs 8.41 ± 0.96, p= < 0.0001). Questions on IPEC self-assessment increased from P1 to P2, with one question related to maintaining competence in one’s profession showing statistical significance (4.36 ± 0.69 vs 4.63 ± 0.49, p=0.048).

Conclusions: These simulated activities provided additional interprofessional experience. The activities were associated with increased positive perceptions of the importance of CoC. Ratings on the IPEC self-assessment were increased, though most comparisons were not statistically significant.