Mask-Ed: Breaking the Barrier of Fear of Intimate Care for Nursing Students

Background: Nursing students learn to toilet, shower, and dress patients in the clinical laboratory with simulation modalities that lack the realism necessary to address the fears, values, and beliefs of nudity and intimate contact with patients. Method: A high-fidelity Mask-Ed T (KRS [Knowledgeable, Realistic, Spontaneous] simulation) intervention was developed and piloted with first-year nursing students around patient showering to increase confidence and skills around intimate care. Results: Students initially felt intimidated, awkward, nervous, and anxious about showering patients; however, after the Mask-Ed simulation, 93% reported feeling more confident and having insight into the patient experience. The realism of the scenario was a contributing factor. Conclusion: Mask-Ed provides a platform for the educator to create realistic scenarios around intimate care that help students prepare, on many levels, for their initial clinical experiences.