Paper: Use of Simulation to Teach Nurses to Care for the Needs of Diverse Populations (19th International Nursing Research Congress Focusing on Evidence-Based Practice)

Thursday, 10 July 2008: 1:55 PM

Richardean Benjamin, PhD, MPH , School of Nursing, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

Lynn L. Wiles, MSN, RN , School of Nursing, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

Phyllis Barham, RN, MS , School of Nursing, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

Phyllis Eaton, RN, MS , School of Nursing, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

Kay Palmer, RN, MSN, CRRN , School of Nursing, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

Carolyn Rutledge, PhD, CFNP , School of Nursing, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

Learning Objective 1: list strategies for enhancing cultural competency of nurses by using simulated experiences

Learning Objective 2: describe lessons learned from development and implementation of a virtual patient environment

Throughout the twenty-first century, the number of elderly and minorities is expected to increase, and by mid-century these two groups will constitute a new U.S. majority. There will be over 70 million seniors by the year 2030 and individuals of Hispanic descent will comprise almost 19% of the US population. Lack of cultural competence by health care providers has been linked to presence of health disparities among diverse groups that include the elderly and people of color.

Cultural competency is more than recognizing that there are cultural differences and includes the incorporation of these differences into models of nursing education and treatment that is beneficial to the patient, and the health professional. The Campinha-Bacote model describes a process for preparing culturally competent providers, which includes possession of cultural awareness, knowledge, skills, and desire achieved through cultural encounters.

This presentation will describe the development and implementation of the Camphina-Bacote model with the use of simulation, standardized patient encounters and Monarch General Hospital (MGH). MGH is an online learning platform that provides students with unlimited access to and repetitive practice opportunities with culturally diverse virtual patients. Students used typed quires to collect health history data. The virtual client responds to the student with a video clip. Using video taped responses allows the student to gather both auditory and body language cues, which more accurately simulates actual nurse-client interactions. Case scenarios were based on focus group input and filmed using culturally diverse standardized patients who are trained to present clinical scenarios and interact with health care providers and students. This simulated experience is expected to increase the knowledge, skills and awareness of the provider in preparation for actual patient interaction. An encounter with an elderly African American woman with diabetes and hypertension is the focus of this presentation.

See more of: Strategies to Improve the Health of Culturally Diverse Populations
See more of: Research Sessions – Oral Paper & Posters