Playing for Change: A New Approach to Social Determinants of Health Education.

BACKGROUND

Nursing students often have limited opportunities to apply social determinants of health (SDOH) concepts to patient experiences and clinical reasoning. This study evaluated a facilitated, game-based learning intervention to reinforce person-centered, socially responsive care.

METHOD: A mixed-methods pretest-posttest design was used with junior-level undergraduate nursing students at a public university. Students participated in a structured board game during class. Matched pre/post surveys (n = 47) were analyzed using paired-samples t-tests, and open-ended reflections underwent content analysis.

RESULTS

Significant improvements were found in endorsement of socioeconomic considerations in health care delivery (p = .020) and incorporating patient priorities into care plans (p = .026). Qualitative themes reflected increased awareness of SDOH, holistic thinking, engagement, and critical reflection.

CONCLUSION

A brief, facilitated game-based intervention may strengthen application of SDOH concepts within person-centered care. Findings support continued refinement and further study with larger, multi-site, and longitudinal designs.