Use of Simulation to Integrate Behavioral Health Into Primary Care Nurse Practitioner Programs.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Nursing Education
• Behavioral Health Integration

Background:

• Integrating behavioral health into primary care is crucial but current nurse practitioner (NP) training models are insufficient.
• Simulation presents an effective pedagogical method for enhancing behavioral health training within primary care settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and evaluate simulation-based curricula for integrated behavioral health care in NP programs.
• To assess the impact of this innovative curriculum on student competencies and confidence.

Main Methods:

• Developed and implemented new didactic and simulation curricula in integrated behavioral health care for primary care and psychiatric mental health NP programs.
• Conducted two rounds of curricular innovation, evaluating across specialties with 97 participating students.

Main Results:

• Students reported enhanced behavioral-health assessment and hand-off skills.
• Participants demonstrated greater confidence in applying core behavioral health content.
• Improved communication skills were observed among students post-training.

Conclusions:

• Well-designed simulation is a valuable tool for developing integrated behavioral health competencies in future primary care clinicians.
• This training approach better prepares NPs to address the behavioral health needs of patients and communities.