A Pilot Study Evaluating the Perceived Effectiveness of a Virtual Simulation Module to Enhance Nursing Care and Diabetes Self-Management Education Among Persons Experiencing Homelessness

Abstract

Background: Type 2 diabetes disproportionately affects persons experiencing homelessness due to barriers related to the social determinants of health. Nursing students often report feeling unprepared to address the complex contextual factors in clinical practice. --

Purpose: This pilot study examined the perceived effectiveness of a virtual simulation module designed to support undergraduate nursing students' learning about diabetes self-management in the context of homelessness. --

Methods: A two-phase sequential multi-methods descriptive design informed by Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory was used. Phase I included quantitative data collected using the Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified (SET-M). Phase II involved semi-structured interviews analyzed using thematic analysis. Participants included fourth-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing students (n = 11) enrolled in Nursing Practice and Complex Care Situations (NSG4430) at the University of Ottawa. --

Results: Quantitative findings in Phase I indicated high perceived effectiveness across SET-M subscales, particularly in clinical reasoning, communication, and discharge planning. Qualitative analysis in Phase II identified three themes: (1) Preparedness and contextual understanding, (2) Building confidence and clinical reasoning in a safe learning environment, and (3) Integrating knowledge through reflection. --

Conclusion: Virtual simulation may be an approach for advancing equity-orientated diabetes self-management and the social determinants of health into undergraduate nursing education. The intervention highlights the potential to enhance student learning and clinical reasoning in caring for vulnerable populations. Further research with larger and multi-site samples is recommended to evaluate its broader impact.