Influence of Social Work and Nursing Interprofessional Collaboration Skills at the Undergraduate Level

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of simulation-based learning on fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between nursing and social work students. Interdisciplinary teams are essential in healthcare settings, requiring practitioners to possess effective communication and collaboration skills. Nursing and social work are disciplines that frequently collaborate, making undergraduate education a vital place to prepare students for this teamwork. Simulation work offers a safe and controlled environment for students to practice skills. A convenience sample of 44 students, consisting of 20 social work and 24 nursing students, participated in this study. Data collection involved observations of student interactions during the simulation and subsequent focus group discussions. Thematic analysis identified key themes related to four competencies of interprofessional collaboration: values and ethics, roles and responsibilities, teamwork, and communication. Students demonstrated practice skills including respect, empathy, and cultural sensitivity, while also exhibiting active listening and a willingness to learn about each other’s roles. Overall, this study suggests that simulated-based learning is a valuable tool for promoting collaboration between nursing and social work students. Future studies can investigate students’ uncertainty about each other’s roles at the onset of a simulation and the impact of enhanced communication via role clarification at the beginning of a simulated experience.