Health Care Simulation Experience for Rural High School Students [81

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to develop a simple, easily reproducible intervention for high school seniors and to evaluate the effect it had on their perspective of the health care field. METHODS: The Eureka High School Outreach Program is a half-day event that includes time spent in a wet pathology laboratory and at a simulation center. Simulation sessions include sterile technique, laparoscopy, suturing and knot-tying, blood pressure monitoring, and intravenous placement. Our research design is a prospective, mixed quantitative and qualitative study. Thirty-six junior and senior rural high school students participated in the event and completed presurveys and postsurveys to gauge change in interest level in medicine and the effect of the event on choosing a career. RESULTS: Thirty-six students completed presurveys and postsurveys with a response rate of 88.9%. Before intervention, 58.3% of students reported being interested in health care as an occupation, 55.6% had a mentor in health care, 100% reported intending to pursue higher education, and of those, 27.7% intended to pursue graduate school or higher. After intervention, 65.5% reported increased interest in health care, 78.1% felt it was helpful in choosing a career, and 96.6% had a better understanding of health care. The questions used for qualitative measures were insight from the experience, in what areas would students like more information, and any suggestions for future events. CONCLUSION: Eureka High School Outreach Program is a low-resource, high-effect half-day intervention that is easily replicable and can significantly promote early interest in a health care career for rural students.