Learner Response to an Activity Introducing Adverse Childhood Experiences as a Social Determinant of Health.

Threading content on the social determinants of health into the nursing curricula is a best practice recommended by certifying bodies; however, introducing content on social determinants of health can overwhelm learners, who may have difficulty relating the information to their nursing practice.A learning strategy was developed that used film and an experiential activity to introduce content on adverse childhood experiences, a social determinant of health, and resilience into nursing course-work. A total of 130 first-semester nursing students viewed a film in class and participated in a focused debriefing and subsequent clinical exercise.The majority of participants (97%) believed the film appropriately introduced the content. Learners reported the debriefing was helpful in relieving distress, and 95% found the content relevant to their future nursing practice.Early introduction of key concepts related to adverse childhood experiences may assist prelicensure nursing students in developing a trauma-informed professional practice. [J Nurs Educ. 2022;61(11):650-653.].

Duke Scholars

Author Jacquelyn McMillian-Bohler School of Nursing

Author Irene Crabtree Felsman School of Nursing