The UC Irvine Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences Interprofessional Education and Practice (IPEP) Collaborative recently hosted an innovative escape room simulation, designed to foster interprofessional collaboration among students from the School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, the School of Medicine, and the Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing. This event focused on geriatrics and provided students with a unique, hands-on learning experience.
Facilitated by a team of dedicated faculty and students, the event featured 59 interprofessional groups comprising 60 pharmacy, 117 medical and 87 nursing students. The escape room involved solving a series of challenging puzzles within a 60-minute timeframe, centered around a geriatric patient transitioning from long-term care to an emergency setting. “We have done this specific escape room several times in the past on Zoom; however, this year we wanted to bring the students together in person,” explained Alisa Wray, MD.
The primary educational goals included enhancing teamwork, communication and patient-centered care skills. Stephanie Au, DNP, highlighted the benefits, stating, “The escape room experience allows pharmacy, medical and nursing students to build meaningful relationships outside the classroom in a fun, relaxed environment.” This approach aligns with the IPEP Collaborative’s mission by offering a sustainable and memorable learning experience.
The escape room’s objectives were carefully designed to underscore the importance of collaborative healthcare delivery. Post-event evaluations will help refine future iterations, ensuring continuous improvement and expanded impact. As Cheryl Wisseh, PharmD, MPH, remarked, the escape room is an “innovative and exciting approach to learning” that will benefit students throughout their careers.