Canisius Study Prescribes Role Playing for Medical Training
A simple role playing exercise could be the key to better preparing future healthcare professionals for high-pressure clinical situations, according to new research led by Aimee Larson, DMSc, PA-C, clinical associate professor and program director of Physician Assistant Studies at Canisius University.
The study, published in the June 2025 edition of “Clinical Simulation in Nursing,” examined 466 students across seven health professions and found that those who practiced healthcare communication through role playing exercises showed statistically significant improvements in confidence when using TeamSTEPPS (Team Strategies and Tools to Enhance Performance and Patient Safety). TeamSTEPPS is an evidence-based framework used nationwide to improve healthcare team performance and reduce medical errors through better communication.
“Our findings suggest that incorporating role playing into interprofessional education significantly enhances students’ confidence using critical communication strategies before they ever reach the clinical environment,” Larson says. “It demonstrates the value of experiential learning as we prepare students for the collaborative demands of modern healthcare.”
Click here to read more about Larson’s study.
Submitted by: University Communications
