700 - Leveraging Simulation to Address Societal Needs and Elicit Change

Societal issues related to race, sexual orientation, and ethnicity are evident in the por outcomes identified in healthcare. Healthcare disparities can be in the form of poor maternal-child outcomes, decreased access to care, to name a few. Currently, there is an awareness of biased based healthcare, which is highlighted in the media. For this discussion the term person of color will be defined as anyone other than White (Office of Research on Women's Health, 2014), Hispanic, anyone with Latin heritage deriving from areas prior to entering the United States(United States Census Bureau, 2020b),and lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, and sexually/gender diverse (LGBTQ+) individuals who self-identify in any of these categories. It is imperative as educators to define our terms for our learners. This creates a level of trust and transparency when discussing difficult topics.

Topics and current trends viewed on social media and in the media, impact care, beliefs, and ultimately actions of all healthcare providers. This creates the foundation for the rationale to enhance current curricula with positive images and information to learners prior to becoming licensed healthcare “experts” within their community. Learners must understand the impact of their actions and words as they shift from healthcare consumer to healthcare educator or provider.

Simulation offers a unique opportunity for critical thinking (Hanshaw & Dickerson, 2020). In depth reflection or thinking prior to being emerced in an intense situation fosters an environment of critical thinking. Simulation provides opportunites within context for self-awareness, exploration, education related to social determinants of health, healthcare disparity, DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion), as well as implicit bias. The key to incorporating any of these emotionally charged topics is faculty preparation.

This session will focuses on evidence-based ways to incorporate HCD within SBE with purpose, passion, and deliberate practice. All of which require faculty preparation and student engagement.