S11 - Integrating Concepts of Social Determinants of Health into Nursing Curricula through Simulation

Abstract : Research shows that social determinants of health (SDOH) have a greater impact on health outcomes than health care or healthy lifestyle choices (WHO, 2024). Nurses are in an ideal position to assess social inequities that occur outside of the healthcare system and provide resources to address identified needs. Therefore, nursing curricula must include concepts to prepare students to identify and address SDOH needs in each clinical encounter. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs demonstrates that unmet basic needs are a barrier to individuals’ health and well-being. Maslow’s theory provided the underpinnings for the scenario and debriefing design of a simulation created for prelicensure nursing students to understand the effects of SDOH on maternal and infant health outcomes and the need for SDOH screening to improve perinatal health equity. Simulation design followed HSSOBP with the inclusion of preparation and pre-brief, clear objectives, co-facilitation by simulation and content experts, and a planned debriefing process using the PEARLS debriefing model. This was a 3-part unfolding simulation. After each scenario, debriefing provided students with the opportunity to recognize and discuss the probable maternal and infant health consequences from prenatal care to post-discharge care based on the SDOH needs identified in scenario one. Students were given a pre- and post-test to evaluate their knowledge of SDOH. There were no significant differences between the pre- and post-test scores, possibly because the preparation assignments resulted in close to perfect pre-test knowledge scores. The simulation allowed students to practice SDOH screening, communication skills, and identify resources based on SDOH knowledge.

Please include a short summary of your presentation that highlights why an attendee would want to participate in your session.: This presentation will establish the need to increase nursing students' awareness of the effects of SDOH on patient outcomes and to demonstrate how SDOH can be incorporated into a wide range of simulation activities to achieve this objective. The presenters will provide an example of a simulation created to enhance student understanding of the effects of SDOH on maternal and infant health outcomes and the need for SDOH screening to improve perinatal health equity.