Interactive Simulation Environment for Interprofessional Education in Critical Care

Interprofessional education is a pedagogical approach which allows health care practitioners to develop a clear understanding and appreciation of the roles, expertise, and unique contributions of their disciplines as well as those of the other participating health care providers. It also helps build effective team relationships which is essential for optimal health care delivery. Currently interprofessional education includes classroom teaching, clinical placements, and practice in simulated environments using both high and low fidelity simulated patients. These strategies are resource intensive and present significant challenges including the release of team members from clinical responsibilities. Interactive virtual simulation environments, such as serious games, offer a feasible alternative to traditional methods as multiple team members may participate in the simulation simultaneously regardless of their physical location or time of day. Here we describe an ongoing project that seeks the development of an interactive virtual simulation platform using serious games technology to augment learning of skills, knowledge, and attitudes requisite in interprofessional education.