Su May Koh

Principal supervisor

Prof Walter Eppich (Department of Medical Education and Collaborative Practice Centre)

Associate supervisors

Prof Clare Delaney (Department of Medical Education)

A/Prof Vivienne Mak (Collaborative Practice Centre)

Project title

Interprofessional Simulation Based Education - Exploring Participant Reluctance

Abstract / overview of project

Interprofessional simulation-based education (SBE) is an educational technique which strives to improve teamwork and collaboration in healthcare teams. Teamwork and communication training have been shown to improve the safety culture. However, despite the documented benefits of SBE, the degree to which practising clinicians participate in simulation—willingly or reluctantly—varies widely. These pockets of ‘simulation reluctance’ limit efforts to derive the maximum impacts of SBE for patients, clinicians, and health services. This research program will contribute to the literature by exploring the experiences and perceptions of healthcare clinicians and the factors which limit their participation in interprofessional SBE including the barriers and challenges to participation. We will also explore the role of organisational culture and factors that inhibit psychological safety in interprofessional SBE such as the power hierarchy that often exists in healthcare systems.