Assistant Professor Minot State University Minot, North Dakota, United States
Disclosure(s):
Amy S. Lee, MSN, RN, CNE: No financial relationships to disclose
Amy Lee, MSN, RN, CNE: No financial relationships to disclose
Abstract: Background Expressing empathy in healthcare is a key component to enhancing the patient experience through improved communication. Research has shown empathy and compassion to be associated with better adherence to taking medications, decreased malpractice cases, fewer mistakes, and increased patient satisfaction. Purpose One of the critiques of high-fidelity simulators is they are “plastic dolls” and not humans. This may decrease nursing students’ ability to develop empathy, which negatively affects communication with the simulated patient. Would providing a narrative monologue to the students increase their ability to empathize with the simulated patient and improve their communication skills? Would learning through storytelling increase their capacity for developing a connection with a simulated patient? Theoretical Framework The story theory provides a theoretical framework for the project. This nursing theory focuses on how a narrative, or story, helps to enhance nurse-patient relationships. Description of Topic Sixty nursing students listened to a recorded monologue of a simulated high-risk antenatal patient. The students were then surveyed to identify if hearing the monologue impacted their experience. The setting is a simulation lab with a high-fidelity simulator. Outcome/Conclusion The project design is a qualitative design. IRB exemption was submitted through a Midwestern university, and approved. The majority of students stated hearing the monologue helped them develop a connection with the simulated patient. Furthermore, students stated the monologue enhanced and improved their communication with the simulated patient. In conclusion, enhancing simulation with a patient monologue may improve communication and empathy therefore increasing the realism of the patient scenario.
Learning Objectives:
After viewing the poster, participants will identify how simulated patient monologues can enhance realism in simulations.
After viewing the poster, participants will discuss effective strategies to implement patient monologues into simulation activities.
After viewing the poster, participants will discuss strategies to improve communication with simulated patients.
