Social Determinants of Health in Graduate Nursing Simulation Education

Abstract

Background: This integrative review examined how simulation is being used to teach graduate nursing students about the social determinants of health (SDH). Methods: The literature search focused on studies that included a sample of graduate nursing students who participated in an SDH simulation-based education (SBE). The timeframe used was 2013 to 2023 as this is when SBE emerged in graduate nursing education. Databases searched included Academic Search Complete, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PubMed, and Web of Science. Results: Nine studies included a sample of graduate nursing students and were included in this review. Published studies ranged from 2013 to 2023. Conclusion: The findings of this review highlight the need for graduate nursing faculty to design, implement, and evaluate transformative SDH-specific SBE that prepares students to understand their role as social justice advocates for health equity.