title: Strengthening Cultural Competence in Prenatal Care With a Virtual Community: Building Capacity Through Collaboration.
abstract: The purpose of this project was to design, implement, and evaluate a virtual simulation experience (VSE) facilitating student access to diverse cultures and strengthening their ability to provide culturally congruent care.
  
  
  METHODS
  Faculty from two universities collaborated in designing a pre/postnatal VSE with African American and Amish patients. Students viewed patient assessments, interacted with patients, worked in teams to develop culturally appropriate care plans, and engaged in debriefing. Outcomes measurements included Jeffreys' Transcultural Self-Efficacy Test (TSET), researcher developed care plans, and program evaluation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Over 80% (N=141) of the invited students consented. Significant increases occurred in overall and subscale post-TSET scores (P<.001). Care plan mean scores were ≥8.82 out of 10 points per category. Students recognized the need to be nonjudgmental in patient care.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study suggests that VSEs are effective in transcending geographic barriers, gaining access to diverse cultures, and strengthening students' cultural competence.
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor and Coordinator of the Accelerated Second Degree Program, Duquesne University, School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA 15282.. Electronic address: weidemany@duq.edu.
authors.forename: Yvonne L
authors.initials: YL
authors.lastname: Weideman
authors.affiliation: Assistant Professor, Director of Simulation, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Ashland University, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Ashland, Oh 44805.. Electronic address: lyoung3@ashland.edu.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Young
authors.affiliation: Clinical Professor & MSN Nursing Education Program Coordinator, Duquesne University, School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA 15282.. Electronic address: lockhart@duq.edu.
authors.forename: Joan Such
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Lockhart
authors.affiliation: Dean, Professor, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Akron, Akron, Oh 44325.. Electronic address: fgrund@ashland.edu.
authors.forename: Faye J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Grund
authors.affiliation: Senior Instructor, Department of Statistics, University of Akron, Akron, Oh 44325.. Electronic address: mmf@uakron.edu.
authors.forename: Mark M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Fridline
authors.affiliation: Visiting Professor, Duquesne University, School of Nursing, Pittsburgh, PA 15282.. Electronic address: panas892@duq.edu.
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Panas
keywords: Cultural competence; Culturally appropriate care; Faculty collaboration; Postnatal care; Prenatal care; Virtual learning experiences; Virtual simulation