Structural competency: A pilot study

Objective The objective of this study is the use of structural competency (SC) as a tool to broaden the view of nursing students beyond individual, behavioral, biological, and cultural frameworks to encompass the structural determinants of health. Design This mixed-methods pilot study consists of a concurrent nested strategy in which close-ended, forced-choice questions are the drivers while open-ended questions are embedded therein. Sample The sample consists of second-year doctor of nursing practice students. Measures The short-term impact is measured through the use of a survey tool. Intervention The 3-hr SC educational module focuses on six learning objectives: knowledge of structural terms, identifying SC effects on population and patient health; strategizing responses to these influences, student readiness to create change at the individual, organizational, and systems-level, identifying needed tools, and assessing empowerment and burnout. Results Students understand structural terms and are willing to create systemic change but lack necessary tools which may result in burnout. Conclusions Careful thought about curricula incorporating SC and skills to offset the potential impact of burnout is needed.