Enhancing Cultural Capabilities Amongst Health Professions Students: A Pilot Study of Interprofessional Tag Team Simulation

Background: To facilitate inclusive healthcare and increase cultural capabilities, health professions students require authentic interprofessional learning experiences that challenge their social, professional, and historical positioning. Tag Team Simulation (TTS) is an innovative approach to develop students' interprofessional collaboration and cultural competency for working with Aboriginal people. Method: Co-designed and delivered by Aboriginal people and an interdisciplinary team of health professions academics, this pilot aimed to: (a) evaluate the effect of TTS on students' self-rated cultural capabilities (Cultural Capabilities Measurement Tool) and interprofessional attitudes (Interprofessional Attitude Scale), and (b) explore students' simulation learning experience. Results: Students' respect, communication, and safety and quality scores on the Cultural Capabilities Measurement Tool were significantly higher post simulation, as were their Interprofessional Attitude Scale scores. Students experienced the simulation as authentic and effective in advancing their communication skills and cultural understanding. Conclusions: This co-designed interprofessional simulation improved health professions students' selfrated cultural capabilities and interprofessional attitudes. Coupled with positive student feedback, results indicate that TTS is an innovative simulation method for building cultural competence in health professions students across disciplines.