Dermatologic simulations in nurse practitioner education: Improving skin cancer knowledge, confidence, and performance

Abstract

Background: The rising incidence of skin cancer continues to be a significant public health concern in the United States. Nurse practitioners (NPs) have a key role in early detection of skin cancer. However, NP students currently demonstrate low levels of knowledge related to skin cancer assessments and recognition of skin lesions.Purpose: The aim of this pilot study was to determine if simulations with standardized patients wearing threedimensional (3D) prosthetic skin lesions improved NP students' knowledge, self-confidence, and observed simulation performance with regard to assessing, diagnosing, and managing patients with nonmalignant versus malignant skin lesions.Methodology: A quasi-experimental approach was used with a convenience sample of 39 NP students. Students participated in three consecutive simulations, each followed by a debriefing. Performance was assessed during the simulations using a rubric. Knowledge and self-confidence were measured immediately before and after the simulation.Results: Correct responses on knowledge items increased for 14 of the 18 items. Self-confidence significantly improved from pretest to posttest. There was a statistically significant improvement in performance from the first to third simulation encounter. Conclusion:Simulation with standardized patients wearing 3D lesions can enhance NP students' knowledge, selfconfidence, and performance of skin cancer assessments.Implications: Nurse practitioner programs can consider using simulation to prepare students for dermatologic care and to help improve the probability of early detection of skin cancer in various health care settings.

Neonatal Fragile Skin

“…In a review of the literature, no articles were identified that evaluated NNPs' performance of caring for infants with fragile skin. Authors of a recent study of family NPs and adult-gerontology acute care NPs found that simulation with standardized patients enhanced NP students' knowledge, self-confidence, and performance of skin cancer assessments 17. Similar to the findings from Shue-McGuffin and Powers,17 participants in this project reported high levels of satisfaction with the learning experience.…”

An Educational Initiative for Family Nurse Practitioners to Detect Melanoma Skin Cancer

“…Previous studies have concluded that education can improve nurse practitioners' knowledge and behaviors to identify skin cancer (Goodman, 2016; Hartnett & O'Keefe, 2016). In addition, a study by Shue-McGuffin and Powers (2021) found that an educational intervention to identify skin lesions increased student nurse practitioners' knowledge and self-confidence to detect skin cancer.…”

Skin Cancer in People of Color

“…To maximize ability to detect abnormal lesions and educate patients, programs can utilize simulations of dermatologic examinations in addition to didactic teaching (Wingo & Baker, 2018). Research has shown practice educating patients on prevention strategies through use of standardized patients can improve nurse practitioner students' knowledge and confidence (Shue-McGuffin & Powers, 2022). Undergraduate and graduate nursing students should also be instructed to incorporate skin assessments and sun safety education into every clinical learning experience to reinforce integration of this vital aspect of patient care into their practice.…”

“…Undergraduate and graduate nursing students should also be instructed to incorporate skin assessments and sun safety education into every clinical learning experience to reinforce integration of this vital aspect of patient care into their practice. This simulation and clinical experiential learning should include performing proper skin assessments on diverse individuals to ensure students are prepared to provide this needed care to all patients (Shue-McGuffin & Powers, 2022; Woodmansee et al, 2018). In addition, continuing education is important as research with practicing nurse practitioners has shown a lack of skin cancer knowledge and desire for more education on melanoma (Roebuck et al, 2015).…”

“…To ensure nurses and nurse practitioners are prepared to improve skin cancer awareness and outcomes, universities should incorporate more skin cancer education into undergraduate and graduate curricula (Woodmansee et al, 2018). In undergraduate and graduate nursing programs, education regarding skin assessments, recognition of atypical lesions, and prevention strategies should be emphasized (Shue-McGuffin & Powers, 2022). To maximize ability to detect abnormal lesions and educate patients, programs can utilize simulations of dermatologic examinations in addition to didactic teaching (Wingo & Baker, 2018).…”