Exploring nurse educators' experiences and perceptions debriefing virtual simulations related to sexual orientation and gender identity: A qualitative study

Background: Sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) impact health, yet healthcare providers often lack the necessary education to address the unique needs of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. The SOGI Nursing Toolkit was developed to enhance cultural humility among healthcare providers using virtual simulation experiences. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore nurse educators' experiences with debriefing virtual simulations related to the SOGI nursing toolkit within nursing education. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach was used, including semi-structured interviews with 12 nurse educators with previous experience implementing the SOGI toolkit within a nursing program. Data were analyzed thematically to identify facilitators and barriers to effective debriefing. Findings: The results underscore the importance of creating a psychologically safe environment to optimize learning. Additionally, the debriefer needs specialized training. Barriers to effective debriefing included limited clinical experience and challenges associated with debriefing within virtual environments. Conclusions: Tailored debriefing strategies are essential for fostering an inclusive learning environment and enhancing cultural humility for current and future healthcare professionals.