(34) Fostering Social Determinants of Health Awareness in Telehealth Education: A Simulation Approach for Adult Gero Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Students

Abstract :

Introduction: Integration of telehealth into healthcare delivery prompted a reevaluation of patient and provider dynamics, including identifying and addressing social determinants of health (SDOH). The purpose of this simulation was to incorporate telehealth in an AGACNP program to prepare students to provide care via this platform and create an opportunity to highlight the importance of SDOH.

Methods: AGACNP students (N=107) in their second clinical course participated. As preparation, a module including readings about social determinants of health, videos modeling a telehealth visit, a prebriefing video, fair game topics for diseases processes, and a grading rubric was placed in the course. During the telehealth simulation, learners completed a focused assessment of a patient during a telehealth follow-up visit. It required identification of SDOH that prevented the patient from obtaining items prescribed at discharge. Care-transition managers joined the debriefing as content experts to highlight resources they can provide.


Results: Of those that completed the pre-and-post-quiz (N=84), most of the learners’ (n=50; 60%) telehealth knowledge increased after participating in the activity. Qualitative data included statements from students like “I learned strategies to examine the patient in a telehealth visit and how to use interview techniques to identify SDOH”.

Conclusion: This simulation underscores the importance of preparing healthcare professionals to effectively navigate telehealth environments while considering the multifaceted nature of patients' health experiences. By fostering collaboration between AGACNP and care transition managers, this simulation contributes to the development of holistic care practices that prioritize the integration of SDOH considerations into telehealth delivery models.

Please include a short summary of your presentation that highlights why an attendee would want to participate in your session.: This simulation underscores the importance of preparing healthcare professionals to effectively navigate telehealth environments while considering the multifaceted nature of patients' health experiences and social determinants of health.