186508 Simulation: Preparing health providers to care for populations with disabilities

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Kay Palmer, MSN , School of Nursing, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
Phyllis Barham, MSN , School of Nursing, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
Richardean Benjamin, PhD, MPH, CNS-BC , School of Nursing, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
Phyllis Eaton, RN, MS, PhD(c) , School of Nursing, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
Carolyn Rutledge, PhD, CFNP , School of Nursing, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
Lynn Wiles, MSN , School of Nursing, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA
The number of individuals living with a disability in the US is increasing. Research indicates Baby Boomers may increase the incidence of disability by 37%. The amputation rate for the US troops returning from the war in Iraq is twice that of past wars and as many as 20% have suffered head and neck injuries requiring lifetime care. In the past individuals with disability have suffered silently as an unnoticed or overlooked culture. Most healthcare providers have limited experience with individuals living with disabilities. This lack of encounter results in a lack of cultural competence. Following Campinha-Bacote's model, cultural competency comes through cultural encounters. Not only do healthcare providers need to be aware of the cultural of disability, they need to have cultural practice and exposure to provide appropriate, culturally sensitive, quality care.

To increase practice encounters with disabled clients in the community the learner utilizes simulation, standardized patient encounters, and an online learning environment. This online resource provides the learner with the opportunity to interact with a virtual client with a disability. The learner uses typed quires to collect data to develop a plan of care with the client. The virtual client responds to the learner through a video response. The case scenarios are based on focus group feedback and are filmed using standardized patients.

Video response - virtual simulation interactions provides the learner with a realistic repetitive interaction allowing the learner to practice in a safe environment, which enhances learning experiences and prepares for actual patient interaction.

Learning Objectives:
1. Describe how the use of simulation will enhance the competency of providing community based health care through increasing encounters with individuals with a disability. 2. Discuss the implications of simulation experiences.

Keywords: Disability, Cultural Competency

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am a certified rehabilitation nurse who teaches and works with disabled clients.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.