Engaging Older Adults in a Depression Simulation Experience.

BACKGROUND

Clinical simulation has become integral to curriculum development in nursing programs. This innovative intervention was designed to explore the efficacy of high-fidelity standardized patient (SP) simulation to increase students' ability to recognize signs of depression and to improve therapeutic communication.

METHOD

During a 12-month period, prelicensure nursing students ( = 136) in a midwestern nursing program participated in this simulation experience. Volunteer retirees residing in the college-affiliated retirement village played the roles of depressed patients.

RESULTS

Students' self-evaluations indicated this experience was a positive learning experience. All of the students indicated the experience improved their knowledge about depression; 91% stated their confidence in interviewing improved, and 89.7% indicated improvement in their communication skills.

CONCLUSION

Use of SP simulation in mental health nursing is an effective strategy to bolster confidence, improve depression screening skills, and enhance therapeutic communication skills. .