Education Regarding Opioid Prescribing, Opioid Tapering, and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) for Nurse Practitioner Students Using Virtual Simulation Games: A Pilot Study

Background: Changes to Canadian government regulations allow nurse practitioners (NP) to prescribe controlled substances and participate in Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). Method: A single-day pilot study with 13 NP students was completed to improve knowledge, comfort, and confidence regarding opioid prescribing, tapering, and MAiD. There were three virtual simulation games (VSG): (a) opioid prescribing, (b) opioid tapering, and (c) a patient request for MAiD. Participants completed pre- and postquizzes and self-assessments, rating themselves as novice, intermediate, or competent learners. Results: Participants' registered nurse (RN) experience ranged from 3 to 18 years (M = 5.88). Age, gender, and years of RN experience were predictors of improved scores between pre- and postopioid quizzes. In the MAiD scenarios, no participants felt they remained novice learners. Intermediate and competent ratings increased by 60.0% and 37.04%, respectively. Novice to intermediate ratings increased by 12.73%, intermediate to competent by 18.18%, and novice to competent by 1.82%. Conclusion: The VSGs developed and pilot-tested provided a valuable learning experience for students.