Using Simulation to Teach Veteran-Centered Care

Abstract 

The purpose of this article is to provide information about the health care needs of veterans through dissemination of a simulation scenario that can be used to educate and prepare students in schools of nursing or in clinical settings to improve the quality of care for veterans. An estimated 23 million veterans live in the United States and Puerto Rico. Only 8 million veterans are enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA). As a result, millions of veterans receive care in civilian hospitals, where nurses and other health care providers may be unaware of the many health care needs related to military service. This high-fidelity clinical simulation scenario and the discussion of unique needs of patients who are veterans are presented to improve this situation.

Keywords: simulation, veteran-centered care, military, post traumatic stress disorder