Exploring the Perceived Effectiveness of a Racism and Microaggression Virtual Simulation Module and Debriefing Framework for Undergraduate Nursing Students

Abstract

Racism and microaggressions have proved to damage individuals’ physical and mental health and continue to exist worldwide today. Within the nursing context, minority nursing students are likely to experience racism and microaggressions and lack the privilege of learning in a healthy environment. There were no current interventions to support students; however, virtual simulation was found to have enhanced learning outcomes. This research explored the perceived effectiveness of a virtual simulation and debriefing to navigate racism and microaggressions for undergraduate nursing students at an Ontario University. The virtual simulation adhered to the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and learning (INACSL) standards. Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) was the conceptual framework guiding the study’s structure. Multiple methods research incorporating the Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified survey for quantitative data collection and semi-structured interviews on perceptions of the CAN-Sim Cultural Humility and Intersectionality for Psychological Safety debriefing framework for qualitative data collection was completed. Data collection took place over three months (October – December 2021) and after participants completed the survey (n = 39) and semi-structured interviews (n = 2), statistical and thematic analyses were completed. Findings from the survey indicated the virtual simulation as having a positive impact on learning ranging from prebriefing, scenario, and debriefing content. Findings from the semi-structured interviews included common themes of emotional competence, cognitive change, and comprehensiveness related to the debriefing framework. Future research on evaluation tools focusing on racism and microaggression or other sensitive topics was suggested and suggestions on the future use of the debriefing framework was provided.