Using Virtual Reality to Increase Nurses' Knowledge of Adolescent Suicide Precautions.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents are disproportionately impacted by suicide, making it imperative nurses know how to identify those at high risk of suicide and provide safe care in the hospital setting. The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the efficacy of a virtual escape room as a learning strategy to increase nursing knowledge of suicide precautions for adolescent patients. METHOD: A 360-degree virtual escape room was developed to increase nursing knowledge of hospital policy related to suicide. Small groups of participants navigated through two virtual hospital rooms with embedded clues and questions related to suicide screening and precautions. Pretest-posttest questionnaires were used to measure changes in knowledge. RESULTS: Nurses demonstrated improved knowledge of hospital policy following completion of the activity. Participants also expressed a high level of satisfaction with this form of learning. CONCLUSION: The use of a virtual escape room was an effective method for educating nurses on standards related to suicide prevention. [J Contin Educ Nurs. 2024;55(4):165-168.].

Frailty Assessment in Patients Utilizing a Free Clinic.

PURPOSE: Frailty is most commonly associated with older adults; however, it has also been identified in vulnerable populations, including homeless adults. Patients who seek health care services in a free clinic often report physical exhaustion, difficulty coping with stressors, chronic disease states, environmental limitations, and a lack of social support, which may contribute to a state of frailty. This pilot study (N = 38) was conducted in adults ages 40-64 years who utilized a free clinic to determine if factors suggestive of frailty were present. METHODS: The Comprehensive Frailty Assessment Instrument (CFAI) was the primary data collection instrument. Anthropometrics and physical performance data were also collected. RESULTS: Physical indicators of frailty were present in 60% of the sample. Psychological, social, and environmental factors affecting health were identified. Sixty-three percent of the participants scored frail or very frail on the CFAI. A larger study is needed to confirm these findings.