Pilot study of interprofessional learning and engagement in culturally responsive nutrition simulations

Background This single-group pre-/post-test quantitative pilot study with prelicensure nursing students (n = 6) used multi-disciplinary and multi-ethnic faculty to develop culturally responsive learning scenarios on nutritional care for diverse patients experiencing type 2 diabetes, anemia, and irritable bowel syndrome. Methods Interprofessionaly designed nutrition simulations used standardized patients, a pre-event nutrition concepts worksheet, pre-briefing, anonymized pre-/post-test, data collection, instructor-supervised feedback by trained patient actors to students, and PEARLs debriefing. SIM interaction diverse learning practices were measured by the NLN's EPQ-C tool. Results Interprofessional team-developed culturally responsive nutrition simulations enhanced factual and cultural quality of scenarios with perspectives from nursing, dietetics, social work, simulation science, and multicultural backgrounds. Trained actors as patients added realism and depth to student simulation. Conclusion Offering multiple authentic, active learning experiences on nutritional nursing care is possible in a single half-day format.