Promoting interprofessional collaboration in oncology through a teamwork skills simulation programme

Abstract

Outcomes in clinical oncology can be improved when care is delivered by high-performance teams. The purpose of the initiative described in this article was to develop interprofessional team training opportunities using simulated cancer care scenarios to enhance collaborative practice skills within clinical oncology. Scenarios were developed based on internal needs assessment and review of patient safety data. Paired teams of haematology-oncology nurses and fellows completed the patient management scenarios, followed by debriefing and performance feedback. Research design consisted of an observational case study and questionnaire of participants in a cross-sectional analysis. Twenty-three learners participated in two separate sessions. All participants responded with scores of 4-5 on a 5-point Likert scale regarding the perceived value of the training programme and its effectiveness in developing skills in teamwork and communication. Simulation-based team training scenarios were successfully implemented into an interprofessional curriculum for haematology-oncology nurses and fellows. Participants valued the experience and indicated that they acquired new knowledge, skills, and attitudes to enhance interprofessional collaboration in cancer care. These types of training programmes have the potential to transform cancer care by creating high-performing teams resulting in improved patient outcomes, enhanced clinical effectiveness, and higher levels of satisfaction among patients, families, and healthcare providers.

An Interprofessional Learning Workshop for Mammography and Sonography Students Focusing on Breast Cancer Care and Management Via Simulation

“…Findings from our pilot study were consistent with findings from James et al (9), where the authors found that interprofessional team training is valuable to participants to gain essential interprofessional competencies.…”

“…Guidelines from Breast Cancer Network Australia advise, "Where appropriate, every woman should be treated in line with the principles of a multidisciplinary approach to her breast cancer treatment" (8). Although there is a growing body of evidence in relation to IPL in patient care, there are relatively few studies that have been conducted on the role of IPL in oncology (9).…”

Are interprofessional healthcare teams meeting patient expectations? An exploration of the perceptions of patients and informal caregivers

“…In policy and the literature, the use of technology to support effective teamwork is clearly identified as a key attribute (James, Page, & Sprague, 2016;McLoughlin, Patel, O'Callaghan, & Reeves, 2018;NHS England, 2017). However, this appeared to be a source of frustration for participants.…”

How do we develop health educators for the future using an interprofessional approach?

“…In defining IPE, the literature suggests that it presents a flexible, sustainable approach to education. IPE is identified as being especially effective as a tool for teaching patient safety, the improvement of quality and as a means of enabling differing professional groups to understand the complexity of clinical presentations (James, Page, & Spague, 2016;Wilson, Palmer, Levett-Jones, Gilligan, & Outram, 2016). The effectiveness of IPE is rooted in its power to reflect clinical reality (Curran, Sharpe, Flynn, & Button, 2010;Machin & Jones, 2014).…”