Incorporating Social Needs Screening in Simulation for Family Nurse Practitioner Students.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Health Equity
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• A pilot simulation was conducted at a private university nursing school.
• The goal was to enhance family nurse practitioner (FNP) students' ability to assess and address social determinants of health (SDOH).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of incorporating SDOH content and the Social Needs Screening Tool (SNST) into a simulation-based learning experience for FNP students.
• To assess the impact on student confidence and skills in addressing SDOH.

Main Methods:

• A telehealth simulation was developed using Zoom, incorporating the American Academy of Family Physicians' SNST and SDOH content.
• FNP students interacted with a standardized patient presenting with shoulder pain and social concerns (transportation, finances).
• Student confidence and skills were evaluated using an adapted Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified and written feedback.

Main Results:

• Thirty-nine FNP students completed the simulation.
• Eighty-nine percent of students reported increased comfort in using the SNST after the simulation.
• The simulation effectively enhanced student confidence and skills in assessing and addressing SDOH.

Conclusions:

• Integrating SDOH content and the SNST into simulation-based learning is an effective educational strategy.
• This approach enhances FNP students' confidence and skills in managing social determinants of health.
• Simulation provides a valuable platform for practical application of SDOH assessment and intervention strategies.