Methods: To integrate simulation in the nursing classroom and clinical setting
Results: Students will become comfortable in the assessment of managing patients with IPV
Conclusion: The education of faculty and students that are comfortable working with victims of IPV leads to better patient outcomes
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is abuse that often goes unrecognized, unspoken and uncared for. Upon entering the health care system, patients who have experienced domestic violence (DV) are assessed by nurses who are the front line responders for their care. (DeBoer, Kothari, Kothari, Koestner, & Rohs, 2013). Nurse’s lack of knowledge, education and comfort in managing patients who suffer or have suffered from IPV has led to poor patient outcomes. As educators, instructing students on this delicate but significant topic is extremely important. The use of simulation replicates real-life situations in an economical, and realistic learning environment (Aldrige, 2016; Jeffries, 2005). Integrating simulation into curricula, allows students to learn, make errors and discuss their feelings in the debriefing period without feeling embarrassed or ashamed (Okuda, Godwin, Jacobson, Want, and Weingart, 2014).
Important features of implementing simulation into nursing curricula is having nursing faculty members who are well versed in simulation as well as knowledgeable and comfortable in the content of IPV when teaching situations that may be uncomfortable and upsetting to students (Aldrige, 2015). Prior to starting the IPV simulation training, it is imperative that faculty is educated on the various areas of assessment, psychological testing, legal issues and safety plans (Beccaria, Beccaria, Dawson, Gorman, Harris, Hossain 2013) as well as resources when meeting an IPV client for the first time. Many of the issues associate with DV is after the initial screen, a majority of patients do not return for follow-up care (Woff, Cantos, Zun, Taylor 2017.
Implementing IPV content into nursing programs will allow entry level nurses the ability to assess and recognize patients in need of care. If a patient does not experience physical abuse, she/he may not realize that the controlling, rigid, psychological and emotional abuse is a form of IPV. Instructing students on this delicate but important topic allots for better treatment, referrals and patients that are hopefully willing to discuss their experiences eventually; getting the help they require (Bradbury-Jones, Appleton and Watts, 2016).
Nursing faculty have many areas of expertise. Content about intimate partner violence can be discussed in many areas of a nursing curricula. However, consideration needs to be had as to where it can be most beneficial. Possibly, teaching across the nursing curriculum and integrating the material into various subject matter can allow for increased knowledge, retention and understanding (Connor et al...(2013).