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

Abstract

Background: 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. Method: 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. Results: 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. Conclusion: 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.]