Consolidating Interprofessional Learning Using an Escape Room in a Briefcase Activity in a Rural Setting

OBJECTIVE: The Escape Room in a Briefcase (ERiB) is a highly portable activity for students to observe and practice interprofessional practice competencies. The ERiB was incorporated into a University Department of Rural Health's Student Workshop in Interprofessional Education (SWIPE) to facilitate delivery of effective interprofessional education (IPE) to students on placement in rural and regional locations. The evaluation aimed to understand the students' gaming experience and improvement in understanding of interprofessional competencies and to gain feedback about the ERiB activity. SETTING: Health facility-based education rooms across six different locations in the Darling Downs and Southwest Queensland. PARTICIPANTS: Eighty-seven university students who were undertaking a clinical placement for a health degree in the Darling Downs or Southwest Queensland participated in one of 13 SWIPE sessions over a 2-year period. DESIGN: The research utilised an interpretivist approach to qualitative design, with data collected via semi-structured focus groups with students after the ERiB activity. RESULTS: Analysis revealed four key themes: frustration during teamwork, collaborative capability, situational humility and intrinsic motivation, which were interpreted as core capabilities underpinning interprofessional practice. CONCLUSION: The ERiB activity is an exciting and innovative method that provides IPE opportunities for students on placement in any location. This interactive activity appears to succeed as an effective IPE tool, facilitating skills in communication, teamwork and collaboration.