Saving patient x: A quasi-experimental study of teamwork and performance in simulation following an interprofessional escape room

Graduates of health professions programs are required to work collaboratively as part of interprofessional healthcare teams. The purpose of this study was to create and test the use of an interprofessional escape room, as a method to improve teamwork, prior to interprofessional simulation. The study evaluated performance in simulation with the Observed Interprofessional Collaboration tool and self-reported attitudes toward teamwork using the Interprofessional Socialization and Valuing Scale. A total of 233 students from professional nursing (n of 118) and pharmacy students (n of 115) were split into groups of four (two nursing, two pharmacy students). Groups were randomized to participate in the escape room first followed by simulation, or simulation first followed by the escape room. Results indicated median scores in simulation performance were higher for students who participated in an escape room before simulation compared to an escape room after simulation. There was no difference in the mean change in perceptions of teamwork from pre to post between students who participated in an escape room before simulation. Escape rooms can, in a brief period of time, improve teamwork and consequently performance during simulation. Findings support the use of escape rooms in interprofessional education curriculum as a method to promote teamwork.