Quasi-Experimental Study Examining Student Attitudes Toward Interprofessional Healthcare Teams and Experiences with Social Determinants of Health Through a Virtual Poverty Simulation

Authors

Suzanne Greenwalt, School of Physical Therapy, Belmont University, USAFollow
Renee Brown, School of Physical Therapy, Belmont University, USA
Lindsay Hahn, School of Pharmacy, Belmont University, USA
Missy Bryan, School of Occupational Therapy, Belmont University, USA
Tamara Lemmonds, School of Occupational Therapy, Belmont University, USA
David Phillippi, Inman College of Nursing, Belmont University, USA

Abstract

Purpose: Highly functioning interprofessional teams are essential for optimal patient care. Interprofessional teams consist of healthcare workers from various disciplines working together to meet the unique needs of each patient, family, and caregiver with the highest level of care possible. Healthcare programs must train students to work and communicate effectively within such teams. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of an interprofessional virtual poverty simulation on students’ attitudes toward interprofessional healthcare teams and experiences with social determinants of health.

Methods: Students from seven health professions participated in a virtual case event. Students worked in interprofessional teams to identify each profession’s role with a given case, completed the PlaySpent poverty simulation, and then revised their previous care plan based on their experience with the poverty simulation. The Attitudes Toward Health Care Teams Scale (ATHCTS) was completed before and after the event. Qualitative questions examined what was learned, prior experiences with the PlaySpent poverty simulation, and recommendations for improvement.

Results: There was a significant difference between the mean pre- and post-score (p < .001). All questions had an increased level of agreement post-event. Students reported the highest level of agreement with items related to the interprofessional approach improves the quality of care. The item with the greatest change was: professionals working as teams are more responsive to emotional and financial needs. The themes of poverty and empathy were revealed in the qualitative results.

Conclusion: After completing the PlaySpent simulation, students had increased positive attitudes toward interprofessional healthcare teams and a deeper understanding of social determinants of health and holistic care. Health professions programs should consider similar simulations to enhance interprofessional education and foster holistic care planning.

Recommended Citation

Greenwalt, Suzanne; Brown, Renee; Hahn, Lindsay; Bryan, Missy; Lemmonds, Tamara; and Phillippi, David (2025) "Quasi-Experimental Study Examining Student Attitudes Toward Interprofessional Healthcare Teams and Experiences with Social Determinants of Health Through a Virtual Poverty Simulation," Health Professions Education: Vol. 11: Iss. 4, Article 13.
DOI: 10.55890/2452-3011.1370
Available at: https://hpe.researchcommons.org/journal/vol11/iss4/13