Pandemic-Related Disruptions in Nursing Education: Zooming Out for an Innovative Interprofessional Simulation

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Public Health
• Nursing Education

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional higher education, particularly in health professions.
• Transition to online learning presented challenges for hands-on patient care training.
• Need for innovative educational strategies to maintain practical skill development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of simulation-based learning for interdisciplinary health professions students.
• To address the challenge of hands-on training in a virtual environment.
• To prepare culturally competent providers for substance use disorder patient care and education.

Main Methods:

• University of Cincinnati College of Nursing developed virtual simulation experiences.
• Graduate-level social work, counseling, and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner students participated.
• Opioid Use Disorder Simulation Case Study utilized within a fellowship training program.

Main Results:

• Enabled interdisciplinary collaboration in a virtual setting.
• Provided a platform for learning patient care and education strategies for substance use disorders.
• Facilitated the development of culturally competent providers.

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based learning is an effective strategy for health professions education during disruptions.
• Virtual interdisciplinary training can prepare students for complex patient care scenarios like opioid use disorder.
• This approach enhances cultural competence in providers serving at-risk populations.