Impact of a Simulation on Nursing Students' Attitudes Toward Schizophrenia

•How a simulation impacts attitudes toward clients with schizophrenia was explored.•The simulation was auditory hallucinations and a standardized patient interaction.•The level of experience moderated fear and intent to interact.•There was improvement in negative emotions to clients with schizophrenia.•Those with less experience had greater improvement in negative emotions.

BackgroundIndividuals 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.MethodThis 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.ResultsTreatment group had significantly lower negative perceptions with no significant change in empathy.ConclusionsProviding students opportunities to gain real or simulated experience with clients with schizophrenia may reduce negative perceptions.