International Journal of Healthcare Simulation

Background and aim:

There is a plethora of research on the benefit of a collaborative learning amongst participants in inter-professional education and simulation-based education [1,2]. It would be insightful to explore how this concept of shared learning extends to the faculty members facilitating these educational sessions. From the perspective of the clinical nurse educator, this research study offers a unique insight into the nature of the collaborative teaching experience, processes of knowledge acquisition, and transferability of learning and their influence on both clinical and teaching practice.

Aim:

To illuminate the lived experiences of clinical nurse educators facilitating inter-professional simulation-based education (IPSBE) to gain deeper insight into how this approach can influence their future practice.

Methods:

An interpretative phenomenology analysis (IPA) was chosen as the qualitative research approach for this study as it sought to illuminate the experiences of clinical nurse educators through the interpretation and validation of their unique ‘first-hand’ experiences. A small purposive sample of clinical nurse educators who facilitated IPSBE was recruited to take part in semi-structured interviews. Data were inductively analysed using a systematic, step-by-step approach, generating meaningful themes and concepts that can be applied to the context of practice [3].

Results:

Four master concepts were derived from the interpretative analysis of the interviews: ‘looking at things through a different lens’; the centrality of the debrief; ‘we are actually learning all the time’ and personal and professional growth. It was evident from the interviews that the clinical nurse educators learned from the participants and fellow faculty members when facilitating IPSBE. There was a recognition of the significance and importance of working, learning and teaching together. IPSBE creates a safe space for learning that promotes an opportunity for shared learning to occur which can positively influence inter-professional relationships and practices, which can influence patient care and safety. In addition, the clinical nurse educators expressed that their experiences had enabled them to develop a deeper insight, understanding and respect for educational theory that underpins adult learning which has been transformational to their teaching practices.

Conclusion:

IPSBE creates a safe space for learning that promotes an opportunity for shared learning amongst faculty to occur which can positively influence inter-professional relationships and practices. These positive team-based behaviours are transferable to educational and clinical practice. The detailed analysis and interpretation of the research findings led to recommendations for practice, education, policy and research.

Ethics statement:

Authors confirm that all relevant ethical standards for research conduct and dissemination have been met. The submitting author confirms that relevant ethical approval was granted, if applicable.