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Weight Bias Reducation Intervention With Nursing Students Using Simulation: The BRAVE Study
Sponsor: Villanova University
Summary
This randomized controlled trial will be a curriculum-embedded weight sensitivity training program. There will be two groups. The control group will receive the standard obesity lecture (SOL) and the intervention group will receive the BRAVE Intervention (BRAVE: Building Respect and Acceptance through Valuing Everybody); a Weight Bias Reduction (WBR) intervention. Both groups will have two simulation encounters with standardized patients who are living with obesity and the outcome will be to improve weight bias and increase weight sensitivity over one year. Participants will include second- and fourth-year nursing students. Two cohorts of nursing students will be recruited over two years during orientation for their NUR courses (n = 368); a combined total of 420 students are typically enrolled in these courses. Study participants will be randomized by 8-person simulation groups (clusters) to either the BRAVE intervention or SOL control group. They will then participate in the two simulation-based experiences and weight bias reduction education or standard obesity lecture, respectively, with a debriefing segment and educational components. To compare the efficacy of BRAVE groups to SOL groups in validated questionnaires will assess changing attitudes, beliefs, and clinical communication behaviors when comparing baseline to 3 months post-intervention, and one year after the intervention.
Official title: The BRAVE Study: A Sensitivity Intervention With Nursing Students Using Simulation
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 25 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
368
Start Date
2026-01-12
Completion Date
2028-05-20
Last Updated
2026-01-13
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
BRAVE
In addition to the two simulation encounters, the BRAVE arm will include an initial one-hour educational presentation on weight bias in health care; prevalence, and influences of weight bias on health/health care, factors affecting obesity, approaching weight-related discussions with patients with sensitivity and empathy, and effective communication strategies. Clinical communication behaviors will also be taught, such as asking permission, using non-stigmatizing language, and engaging in judgment-free weight-related discussions with patients. They will also have role-play and case-study scenarios to integrate and practice the communication strategies. Following the second simulation and DML, students in the BRAVE arm will participate in a continuation of the weight bias reduction education including concepts of Motivational Interviewing, Shared Decision Making, and weight management conversations to prevent weight bias in the clinical environment.
SOL: Standard Obesity Lecture
SOL: (Standard Obesity Lecture) SOL arm education will include a presentation on obesity as a disease, its prevalence, causes, health risks, psychological and socioeconomic impact, and a standard obesity assessment. Following the second simulation, students in the SOL groups will participate in a continuation of the standard obesity education to build on concepts from session 1. The second presentation will be a recap on weight management in clinical practice. Readings will focus on the medical consequences of obesity, and the economic cost of obesity. Both Debriefing for Meaningful Learning segments will focus on the disease itself and not include components of obesity or body weight.
Locations (1)
Villanova University
Villanova, Pennsylvania, United States