Interprofessional Disaster Simulation During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Adapting to Fully Online Learning

Abstract

Background: This paper describes the rapid conversion of a face-to-face interprofessional (IP) disaster simulation to an online format in response to COVID-19 campus closures. Methods: The online disaster simulation utilized internet-based tools allowing real-time collaboration between IP students. Team exercises involved disaster triage, disease outbreak investigation, and disaster response. Surveys measuring self-assessment of various IP skills and simulation learning outcomes (SLOs) were compared with responses from previous face-to-face simulations. Results: Results indicated mean scores for IP skills were higher for online students when compared with in-person simulations, and all SLOs were met. Conclusions: The online disaster simulation provided an effective, innovative IP educational opportunity.