Disaster Aftermath Interprofessional Simulation: Promoting Nursing Students' Preparedness for Interprofessional Teamwork

Background: Nurses are members of interprofessional cadres of health care professions with vital roles as disaster shelter volunteers and leaders for recovery efforts. Nurses must be equipped with the skills needed to care for communities postdisaster. Providing students with opportunities to engage in interprofessional simulated disaster experiences is an effective method for preparing them to work in leadership roles during disasters. This article describes a case study in the use of simulation to enhance health care students' knowledge and interprofessional collaboration roles in disaster management. Method: The Disaster Aftermath Interprofessional Simulation (DAIS) tabletop exercise was developed by nursing and public health faculty. Results: Students prioritized health interventions and investigated a foodborne outbreak in an emergency shelter. Students applied knowledge from their respective disciplines, collaborating to develop plans to protect populations. Conclusion: The DAIS is an innovative method for preparing nursing students to work as interprofessional team members in disaster response and recovery.