People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) face significant stigma and discrimination within the healthcare system. Virtual patient simulations can effectively teach nursing students about patient care issues they may not encounter as part of their clinical education. Read the research article where we explore how caring for a virtual patient with HIV in Shadow Health was proven to decrease discriminatory attitudes in students.
This study contributes to learning science to understand
how virtual patient experiences may influence learner
thinking and attitudes.
Article highlights
- Although there was no statistically significant treatment effect, findings suggest that participating in a virtual simulation focused on a patient living with HIV can change the attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors of nursing students.
- Future research is needed to increase understanding of the impact that virtual patient simulation focused on a patient living with HIV may have on provider attitudes and whether that can contribute to providing equitable care to PLHIV.
