Playing for Change: A New Approach to Social Determinants of Health Education.
TL;DR
A brief, facilitated game-based intervention may strengthen application of social determinants of health concepts within person-centered care and support continued refinement and further study with larger, multi-site, and longitudinal designs.
Abstract
Background
Nursing students often have limited opportunities to apply social determinants of health (SDOH) concepts to patient experiences and clinical reasoning. This study evaluated a facilitated, game-based learning intervention to reinforce person-centered, socially responsive care.
Method
A mixed-methods pretest-posttest design was used with junior-level undergraduate nursing students at a public university. Students participated in a structured board game during class. Matched pre/post surveys (n = 47) were analyzed using paired-samples t-tests, and open-ended reflections underwent content analysis.
Results
Significant improvements were found in endorsement of socioeconomic considerations in health care delivery (p = .020) and incorporating patient priorities into care plans (p = .026). Qualitative themes reflected increased awareness of SDOH, holistic thinking, engagement, and critical reflection.
Conclusion
A brief, facilitated game-based intervention may strengthen application of SDOH concepts within person-centered care. Findings support continued refinement and further study with larger, multi-site, and longitudinal designs.