Nursing Student Interprofessional Simulation Increases Empathy and Improves Attitudes on Poverty

ABSTRACT

Poverty is increasing and it has adverse effects on health. Nurses need to understand how to help patients in poverty meet health goals within interprofessional teams. Nursing students and Veteran’s Affairs employees, consisting of patient care and support staff, were recruited for an interprofessional poverty simulation. Prior to and directly following the simulation, participants were asked to complete the Attitudes about Poverty and Poor People (APPP) scale, the Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ), and the Self Reflection and Insight Scale (SRIS). Scores on the APPP and TEQ improved. The SRIS results had no significant changes. Interprofessional simulation positively impacts attitudes toward poverty and empathy in nursing students and health professionals.