VIRTUAL POSTER Interprofessional Simulation Experience for Stroke Pt Management

Background:
Simulation-based learning (SBL) experiences are recognized as effective pedagogy in both nursing and speech-language pathology. In addition, interprofessional collaboration in these simulations contributes in the development of skills essential in stroke management to optimize patient outcomes. Nursing and speech-language pathology (SLP) professionals play critical roles in addressing the acute and rehabilitative needs of stroke patients. While nursing is providing comprehensive assessment and care, supporting rehabilitation, and providing education, speech-language pathologists assess and provide rehabilitation for dysphagia, and facilitate communication. Evidence suggests that early intervention by an interdisciplinary team improves recovery and reduces complications such as aspiration pneumonia (Winstein et al., 2016). This simulation provides a structured experience for nursing and SLP students to enhance their teamwork and clinical decision-making skills in stroke care.

Methods:
Graduate nursing and SLP students participate in an SBL experience with female diagnosed with an acute ischemic stroke. The scenario begins with nursing students conducting an initial swallow screen, including vital signs, neurological checks using the NIH Stroke Scale, and medication administration per stroke protocol. SLP students assess the patient’s swallowing function using an evidence-based bedside dysphagia screening tool and evaluate expressive and receptive language abilities. The team collaborates on aspiration precautions, modified diet recommendations, patient positioning, and communication strategies, ensuring a comprehensive care approach.

Results:
Interprofessional teamwork allows for the timely identification and management of stroke-related deficits. Nursing students reinforce safe swallowing strategies, while SLP students provide communication supports, such as alternative communication methods for expressive deficits. This collaborative approach aligns with best practices in stroke rehabilitation, which emphasize coordinated care to improve functional recovery and reduce complications (Bath et al., 2018). The scenario concludes with a joint debriefing session, where students discuss the challenges and benefits of interdisciplinary care in stroke management.

Conclusion:
This simulation highlights the importance of interprofessional collaboration in stroke care, emphasizing the distinct yet complementary roles of nursing and SLP professionals. By engaging in realistic clinical decision-making, students gain practical experience in stroke management that reinforces patient-centered care principles. Future implementation of similar simulations can further enhance interdisciplinary competence and improve stroke patient outcomes.
References:
•    Winstein, C. J., Stein, J., Arena, R., et al. (2016). Guidelines for adult stroke rehabilitation and recovery: A guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke, 47(6), e98–e169.
•    Bath, P. M., Lee, H. S., & Everton, L. F. (2018). Swallowing therapy for dysphagia in acute and subacute stroke. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 10, CD000323.