The ICU Interprofessional Simulation experience was designed to provide upcoming healthcare team members critical patent incidents in which they must lead, make decisions, and work together to manage crises. The ICU had 7 simulated patients with each patient having multiple issues occurring. Four patients were high fidelity simulators and three were standardized patients. The simulation was conducted in real time and lasted approximately 45 minutes.

A novel aspect to this simulation was the inclusion of the clinical laboratory. Two laboratories were used for this ICU simulation. The ICU setting contained a stat lab where simulated specimens were analyzed and blood products were issued to nursing staff. A large lab where real blood and body fluid specimens were analyzed was housed the School of Health Professions. The progress of the scenarios was in part dependent on the results the laboratory students produced.

A unique, three-tiered approach to debriefing was used for this large, multiple patient interprofessional simulation. Immediately after the simulation learners remained in the individual patient rooms for a case debrief. Immediately afterward, a large group debriefing was conducted with all students who participated in the simulation. Following this, learners debriefed by profession to discuss profession-specific concerns. 

Learners commented in the simulation that they appreciated, “getting to interact with other professions and the importance of collaboration.’ Another learner stated he learned to “be confident in what you need and trust yourself.” There were also several comments on how realistic the simulation was.