title: An Interprofessional Learning Workshop for Mammography and Sonography Students Focusing on Breast Cancer Care and Management Via Simulation: A Pilot Study.
abstract: The literature surrounding interprofessional education claims that students who learn with, from, and about one another in well-designed interprofessional programs will practice together collaboratively upon graduation, given the skills to do so. The objective of this study was to examine attitudes to interprofessional practice before and after an interprofessional learning (IPL) activity.
  
  
  
  A total of 35 postgraduate medical imaging students attended a week-long mammography workshop. The sessions provided a range of didactic sessions related to diagnosis and management of breast cancer. An IPL session was incorporated on completion of the workshop to consolidate learning. Props and authentic resources were used to increase the fidelity of the simulation. Participants completed pre- and post-workshop questionnaires comprising an interprofessional education and collaboration scale and a quiz to gauge knowledge of specific content related to professional roles. Responses to each statement in the scale and quiz score, pre or post workshop, were compared, whereas responses to open-ended questions in post-workshop survey were thematically analyzed.
  
  
  
  Seventeen paired surveys were received. There was a significant total improvement of 10.66% (P = .036). After simulation, there was a statistically significant improvement in participants' understanding (P < .05) that IPL offers holistic care to the patient and that teamwork is useful for reducing errors in patient care. Simulation helped participants develop more awareness of their role within the profession, improve their understanding of other professionals, and gain more realistic expectations of team members.
  
  
  
  This pilot study confirmed learning within an IPL simulation improved attitudes toward shared learning, teamwork, and communication. Simulation provides opportunities for learning in a safe environment, and technology can be used in diverse ways to provide authentic learning.
authors.affiliation: University of South Australia, Frome Rd, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia. Electronic address: Eileen.giles@unisa.edu.au.
authors.forename: Eileen M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Giles
authors.affiliation: University of South Australia, Frome Rd, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia.
authors.forename: Nayana
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Parange
authors.affiliation: Breast Screen South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.
authors.forename: Bronwyn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Knight
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D008327:Mammography; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D024382:Professional Role; D000066908:Simulation Training; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016217:Ultrasonography, Mammary; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Interprofessional learning; mammography; simulation; sonography