Incorporating social needs screening in simulation for family nurse practitioner students

BACKGROUND: 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). 

METHOD: 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. 

RESULTS: 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. 

CONCLUSION: 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.