Flexible interprofessional student encounters based on virtual patients: a contribution to an interprofessional strategy

It is challenging to organize interprofessional activities in terms of coordinating students' various schedules. These challenges can be overcome by providing flexible online opportunities based on virtual patients (VPs). This study set out to study feasibility of using a blended approach based on virtual patients and a flexible interprofessional student encounter. The encounter was arranged in pairs or triads between nursing and medical students from two separate courses. Data were gathered through a questionnaire and followed up with group interviews. Reflective texts from the interprofessional encounters were analyzed in relation to descriptions of interprofessional competence. The great majority (86%) chose to meet online due to its flexibility. The participants gained an understanding of the other profession's roles and competences and a holistic patient awareness. Given its flexible and scalable opportunities, the blended online virtual patient approach provides a valuable contribution to an interprofessional programme.