Abstract:
Efforts to impact and influence the health of the public demand that providers demonstrate competence in a variety of areas. Since the social determinants of health (SDOH) can create barriers that negatively impact care, future healthcare providers need purposeful training on disparities, cultural issues, and health literacy (Abbasina et al., 2020; Gradellini et al., 2024). Healthcare professionals must be able to identify these barriers and work with interprofessional teams and community partners to facilitate optimal outcomes (Laari & Duma, 2023). Caring for the medically underserved communities (MUC) that have a higher burden of cardiovascular, stroke, and heart disease requires evidence-based approaches that eliminate practice silos and foster a sense of collaboration. Future healthcare providers need opportunities to learn how to navigate the complex care of these vulnerable populations which requires inter- and intra-professional collaboration. Inter/intra-professional simulation-based education (SBE) and clinical practice are needed to meet this need.
To provide these educational opportunities, a project was developed to utilize, implement and test a Public Health Simulation-Infused Program (PHSIP). Scenarios and a checklist were validated with experts in public health, simulation, and telehealth to optimize strategies that may promote well-being in marginalized communities. This project offers future healthcare providers like bedside nurses, public health nurses, advanced practice nurses, and social workers opportunities to navigate the multifaceted care environment and work together to optimize patient outcomes.
The program followed Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice (HSSOBP) and used a combination of technologies. A prebrief which addressed cardiovascular/stroke risks within public health nursing was sent to all learners before the SBE. Learners were challenged to assess, make clinical decisions, and teach patients by communicating and collaborating with the entire healthcare team. To facilitate learning, realism was enhanced using high-fidelity patient simulator (HFPS) manikins, telehealth technology, embedded participants, and standardized participants. During this presentation, the creation and implementation of this program will be shared.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe opportunities for inter/intraprofessional simulation using public health concepts.
- Compare and contrast a public health nursing checklist with AACN competency-based education.
- Evaluate current curriculum for implementation opportunities of PH content