Incorporating Social Needs Screening in Simulation for Family Nurse Practitioner Students

A pilot simulation was implemented at a private university school of nursing to provide an opportunity for family nurse practitioner (FNP) students to apply their knowledge of assessing and addressing social determinants of health (SDOH).

The Social Needs Screening Tool (SNST), developed by the American Academy of Family Physicians, and SDOH content were incorporated into a telehealth simulation-based learning experience. Using Zoom [Zoom Video Communications, Inc.], students encountered a standardized patient who sought care for shoulder pain and shared concerns about transportation and finances.

Thirty-nine FNP students individually completed the simulation. Evaluation was conducted via an adapted Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified and written feedback to assess confidence and skills. Eighty-nine percent of students reported they felt more comfortable using the SNST following the simulation.

Incorporating SDOH content and the SNST within simulation-based learning is an effective learning activity to enhance FNP student confidence and skills in assessing and addressing SDOH. [J Nurs Educ. 2025;64(6):e56-e59.].