Impact of a simulation on nursing students' attitudes toward schizophrenia

Background: Individuals with schizophrenia experience disparities in health based in part on negative perceptions of nurses. Attitudes and behaviors toward schizophrenia may improve when opportunities for interaction are increased. Method: This study compared the impact of a novel two-part simulation with a traditional didactic and clinical experience (N=145). Measures included empathy, attitude, and intention of undergraduate student nurses toward individuals with schizophrenia. Analysis included testing for differences between control and intervention. Results: Treatment group had significantly lower negative perceptions with no significant change in empathy. Conclusions: Providing students opportunities to gain real or simulated experience with clients with schizophrenia may reduce negative perceptions.