Interprofessional education in the U.S. military: harnessing simulation for team readiness. Issue 1 (2nd January 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Varpio, Lara; Bader Larsen, Karlen; Hamwey, Meghan; Semelrath, Kevin; Paradis, Elise
• Is Part Of: Journal of interprofessional care. Volume 35:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 55
• Page End: 63
• Publication Date: 2021-01-02
• Subjects: Interprofessional education -- military -- simulation -- healthcare -- ethnography; Holistic medicine -- Periodicals; Interprofessional relations -- Periodicals; Health care teams -- Periodicals; 361
• DOI: 10.1080/13561820.2020.1711718
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1356-1820

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Research into military interprofessional healthcare teams (MIHTs) is rarely reported in the interprofessional literature. MIHTs must effectively collaborate in the low resource and chaotic contexts of humanitarian and combat deployments; however, we have yet to study how MIHTs learn to work in these contexts. To address this gap, we investigated military interprofessional education (MIPE). Using an ethnographic approach, we conducted non-participant observations (n = 30.5 hours) of a specific platoon (n = 32 participants) during an MIPE simulation called Operation Bushmaster – a large-scale immersive simulation of battlefield deployment. Findings indicated three aspects of MIPE: (1) a culture where flailing isn't failing ; (2) the importance of followership ; and (3) an interprofessional respect fostered by role adoption . Considering these findings through Dweck's fixed vs growth mind-set conceptualization, we suggest that – although unusual when compared with traditional IPE – MIPE's teaching and learning methods provide developmental opportunities for team members. We also suggest why Dweck's mind-set conceptualizations could be usefully extended from an individual-focus to also include a collaborative-team-focus. We contend that the findings developed from this research could be transferred to civilian contexts so that the lessons learned by those who serve on the war front could inform those who serve at home.