The use of trauma interprofessional simulated education (TIPSE) to enhance role awareness in the emergency department setting

Interprofessional simulation-based education (IPSE) is common in medicine and nursing curricula, however, less evident in diagnostic radiography. Previous work suggests graduate radiographers are unprepared in terms of trauma knowledge and experience. A trauma IPSE programme as a joint venture between two universities was developed. Our aim was to explore the views of radiography, nursing, and medical students regarding preparedness for trauma practice. Second-year radiography (n = 39), nursing (n = 10), and medical (n = 5) students were invited to participate in trauma simulations. Pre- and post-scenario questionnaires were completed and quantitative analysis undertaken. Prior to IPSE, the majority of students were unprepared to manage trauma. Post-scenario felt significantly more prepared to undertake their role in the team and had better understanding of their and other professions' roles in trauma (P < 0.01). IPSE is an effective means of preparing undergraduate students in understanding both their and other professional's roles within the trauma team.