Key Design Characteristics of Interprofessional Simulation-based Learning Experiences as Rated by Allied Health and Nursing Students

Background: This study reports the first non-nursing application of the Jeffries Simulation Design Scale (SDS) tool in dietetics education to assess design features of two interprofessional simulation activities for perceived learner importance. Method: The SDS tool was modified to decrease nurse-specific terminology and increase usability, then administered to all nursing and allied health students prior to (n = 243) and after (n = 294) a palliative care simulation and a communication simulation. Results: Three hundred and thirty-four students (167 students each year in 2018 and 2019) from five disciplines (dietetics, exercise physiology, pharmacy, social work, and nursing) participated. Ratings by these mixed-profession groups emphasized the perceived importance of feedback, support, and fidelity, as has been reported previously for nursing-only groups. Conclusions: Further validation of the modified SDS tool for non-nursing application is warranted to provide simulation designers an evaluation tool to further improve simulation activities. (C) 2020 International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.