Gaining experience in the provider role: Exploration of a novel simulation intervention to prepare nurse practitioner students to detect and manage skin cancer

Background:The high prevalence and negative outcomes associated with skin cancer demand effective strategies to prepare nurse practitioner students to detect cancerous lesions and manage patient care. However, few studies have examined dermatologic simulations to prepare nurse practitioner students to detect and manage skin cancer.Purpose:An exploratory-descriptive qualitative approach was used to examine nurse practitioner students' experiences with simulations involving standardized patients wearing three-dimensional (3-D) prosthetic skin lesions, perceptions of ability to apply the simulations to clinical practice, and preferences for learning dermatologic care.Methodology:A convenience sample of 39 nurse practitioner students participated in simulations with standardized patients wearing 3-D skin lesions. Focus groups were conducted following simulation participation, and thematic analysis was performed by two researchers.Results:Four themes emerged: Simulation provides a safe place to practice, Dermatology should be an integral part of education, Realism makes a difference, and Improved confidence and preparation for practice.Conclusions:Simulations with standardized patients wearing 3-D skin lesion prosthetics provided students the opportunity to assess, diagnose, and manage the care of patients with cancerous skin lesions. Participants valued the realistic practice with dermatologic care and reported improved confidence and preparation for practice.Implications:Faculty can use simulations to provide experiential learning about the provider role in general and as it pertains to skin cancer care. Attention to realism is important to aid in building students' confidence and preparation for practice.