Authors

  1. Hekel, Barbara E. PhD, MPH, RN
  2. Pullis, Bridgette C. PhD, RN, CHPN
  3. Edwards, Allison P. DrPH, RN, CNE
  4. Alexander, Juane MSN, RN

Abstract

Background: The impact of social determinants of health (SDOH) was developed to educate nursing students through the use of an unfolding case study.

 

Problem: SDOH and population health are critical components of prelicensure nursing education. Unfolding case studies are a strategy to develop critical thinking and teach SDOH to nursing students.

 

Approach: A model was used to develop the case study including a community assessment, which follows a male veteran and family through life events. Implementation of the unfolding case study took place over 3 consecutive semesters in a community health nursing course.

 

Outcomes: This educational activity achieved standardized examination scores, which are intended to assess student preparedness for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), above the national averages. Student participation was above 90%.

 

Conclusion: Unfolding case studies can present realistic scenarios that are useful to teach critical thinking. As the Next Generation NCLEX moves to scenario-based testing, unfolding case studies are a teaching strategy to prepare students.