Simulated Learning Experience in Advance Care Planning Conversations.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Nursing
• Palliative Care

Background:

• Advance care planning (ACP) is crucial for end-of-life autonomy, yet one-third of Americans haven't engaged in it.
• Healthcare providers often lack training and confidence in conducting ACP conversations.
• Existing communication skills training for providers is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of communication training and palliative care simulation on family nurse practitioner students' ACP skills.
• To assess changes in students' knowledge, self-confidence, and satisfaction regarding ACP communication.

Main Methods:

• Forty-four family nurse practitioner students received classroom-based communication training using evidence-based materials and role-playing.
• Following training, students participated in a high-fidelity simulation involving communicating a poor diagnosis and initiating ACP using the SPIKES protocol.
• Knowledge, self-confidence, and satisfaction were measured post-intervention.

Main Results:

• A significant increase in post-intervention advance care planning communication knowledge scores was observed.
• Students reported significantly higher self-confidence in holding ACP conversations.
• Participants expressed high satisfaction with the simulation-based learning experience.

Conclusions:

• Classroom training combined with palliative care simulation effectively enhances nurse practitioner students' ACP communication knowledge and confidence.
• Simulation provides a valuable platform for practicing essential end-of-life communication skills.
• Interventions like this can help bridge the gap in provider preparedness for critical patient conversations.