Abstract
Purpose: The purposes of this qualitative descriptive study were to understand the perceptions of nursing and social work students regarding communication with patients and families at the end of life and to explore the perceptions of nursing and social work students' regarding interprofessional roles at the end of life.
Methods: An interdisciplinary simulation about death and dying was conducted with 16 undergraduate nursing students and 3 graduate social work students to understand their perceptions regarding communication with patients and families at the end of life and to explore their perceptions of interprofessional roles. Simulations lasted approximately 20 minutes and were followed by a 30–40-minute debriefing session using focus groups.
Results: Qualitative data revealed 3 major themes which highlight the power of peer support, importance of communication skills, and identification of professional roles.
Discussion/Conclusion: The findings of this study have important implications for continuing education surrounding interprofessional collaboration, particularly as it relates to end-of-life care. Nurses and social workers find value in working together as a team; yet both have limited information on the roles and responsibilities of one another.
How could this topic be generalized to other health professions?
End‑of‑life care is inherently collaborative, requiring coordinated contributions from a wide range of disciplines, each of whom plays an essential role in supporting patients and families during vulnerable moments. Because communication needs at the end of life transcend any single professional identity, the themes identified in this study—clarity of roles, collaborative decision‑making, emotional preparedness, and shared understanding—are relevant to nearly all healthcare fields. Professionals such as physicians, nurses, pharmacists, social workers, respiratory therapists, physical and occupational therapists, chaplains, and emergency medical personnel regularly encounter situations requiring sensitive conversations about prognosis, goals of care, and comfort measures. These interactions demand not only discipline‑specific expertise but also a deep appreciation for the perspectives and responsibilities of other team members. The collaborative nature of end‑of‑life care means that no single profession can independently address the full scope of patient and family needs. Thus, the insights gained through interprofessional simulation—especially those related to communication patterns, role negotiation, and team cohesion—can enrich learning across diverse health professions.
Which allied health professions were a part of the study or investigated?
Nursing; Social Work
Recommended Citation
Jeffers, S., Stein, E., Hall, M., Campbell, C., & King, C. (2026). Exploring Interprofessional End-of-Life Communication Through Simulation: A Qualitative Study. Journal of Interprofessional Practice and Collaboration, 6(2). Retrieved from https://repository.ulm.edu/ojihp/vol6/iss2/4
