One Health Simulation: An Interdisciplinary Approach to Global Health Education

The One Health approach aims to enhance health by recognizing the interconnectedness between humans, animals, and the environment. Interdisciplinary collaboration is needed to tackle the complexity of emerging global health issues. In the present study, simulation, a tool replicating real-life scenarios, was employed as an educational strategy to promote the One Health concept. The objectives were to: (1) familiarize students with the One Health concept; (2) improve their understanding of complex health issues; (3) experience interprofessional collaboration in a health crisis simulation; and (4) enhance students’ awareness of their future roles in healthcare. Methods: This study tested the feasibility of a crisis simulation activity involving pharmacy, medical and biomedical students, and measured changes in their perceptions of interprofessional collaboration. A veterinarian and two pharmacists participated as tutors. Students role-played in a simulation focused on managing a fictional zoonotic epidemic. Debriefing sessions reinforced the interdisciplinary learning experience. Results: The satisfaction survey showed high levels of agreement, with statistically significant improvement perception of interprofessional collaboration. Discussion and conclusion: This activity introduced students to the One Health concept by enhancing their perception of interprofessional collaboration through a health crisis simulation. It highlighted the complementary roles of various professions. This simulation provides a basis for developing further activities aligned with the One Health framework.