A multi-patient simulation involving patients with acute health challenges was co-created by nursing faculty at the University of New Brunswick, Canada. The integration of this simulation occurred during the 2023 Fall term. Presented findings are focussed on data collected in the 2024 Fall term as research leads obtained ethical approval prior to this second offering. Although simulation-based experiences (SBEs) are well established as effective tools in building capacity in health care programs [1], the use of multi-patient simulations in support of skills such as clinical judgement and time management remain underexplored. The National Council State Boards of Nursing’s Clinical Judgement Measurement Model (CJMM)[2] helped frame learning objectives while INASCL standards were adhered to in the design of this simulation [3]. The purpose of this presentation is to share key findings and recommendations for a study exploring student perceptions of this multi-patient SBE.
A mixed-methods approach was used in this study. Quantitative data were collected using pre- (n=70) and post-(n=60) simulation quizzes, with questions aligned to learning objectives. These quizzes assessed students’ knowledge and clinical judgement before and after the simulation. Qualitative data were collected through two focus groups (n=7) which included an exploration of students’ perceptions of elements impacting their ability to meet learning objectives. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Content analysis was used to identify key concepts which were organized into categories.
Quiz responses between subgroups of students were compared – students were either enrolled in the BN program through a bridging model or entered through a four-year pathway. All students scored poorly on questions involving teamwork and scope of practice considerations. In contrast, students who entered the BN program through the bridging model scored significantly higher on time management.
Content analysis of focus group data revealed key categories: 1) knowing what to expect and what is expected of me; 2) realism as a performance factor; and; 3) acknowledging the impact of past experience.
Findings from this study offer insights into how senior nursing students experience and respond to a multi-patient simulation. Relationships between previous clinical experience, preparation, perceived realism, and the link to performance have implications for simulation design and teaching and learning strategies beyond a simulation context. A limitation of this study is the focus group participants included only students enrolled in the four-year pathway.
As the submitting author, I can confirm that all relevant ethical standards of research and dissemination have been met. Additionally, I can confirm that the necessary ethical approval has been obtained, where applicable.
1. Bray L, Østergaard D. A qualitative study of the value of simulation-based training for nursing students in primary care. BMC Nursing. 2024;23(1):1–10. doi: 10.1186/s12912-024-01886-0.
2. National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2019). Clinical judgment measurement model. Next Generation NCLEX News,13, 1–6. Available from: https://www.ncsbn.org/public-files/NGN_Winter19.pdf
3. INACSL Standards Committee, Watts PI, McDermott DS, Alinier G, Charnetski M, Ludlow J, Horsley E, Meakim C, Nawathe P. Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice® Simulation Design. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 2021;58:14–21. doi: 10.1016/j.ecns.2021.08.009.
Many countries have adopted simulation as one of their mainstream methods for healthcare education. The use of virtual, augmented, mixed reality and do-it-yourself 3D-printed low-cost task trainers is becoming popular among simulation educators and innovators to meet the specific educational needs of their learners. Educators and researchers who come up with innovative solutions to meet educational delivery or assessment gaps need a platform to spread the word within the greater simulation community. Having a venue to share these solutions acts as a valuable catalyst to help solve current problems or challenges. This special bi-annual supplement in the International Journal of Healthcare Simulation (IJoHS) titled ‘Short Reports on Simulation Innovations Supplement (SRSIS)’ is intended to help disseminate innovations, solutions or valuable lessons learned that will aid the international simulation community. The SRSIS includes studies that share compelling information from an early report without a complete dataset, pilot studies or studies that were stopped as they found that a specific solution to a problem does not work. The supplement also includes reports on innovative simulation curricula, assessment methods and programme evaluation strategies.
Reports are limited to 800 words. They will be screened by the SRSIS editors and then peer-reviewed by at least two reviewers selected from a diverse pool of simulation scholars and practitioners. Each submission will be scored across several criteria. Structure of a report includes a clearly defined introduction section having the background, context and/or the need of the innovation. This is then followed by the innovation section that describes the development process and the evaluation section that describes how the impact of the innovation was measured (if applicable). The outcomes section describes the findings and is followed by a section called ‘What’s next?’. This section was added to help researchers, simulationists and innovators communicate with the simulation community if further research is needed or how their innovation is applicable or relevant to similar educational and training needs.
We hope that this bi-annual supplement of the IJoHS will serve as a platform for the simulation community to share their innovations, their successes and their failures, and provide a means to network with other innovators. We also envisage that this supplement will fill the void of reports on innovations and encourage others to try, learn and share their innovations. We are thankful to the chief editor of IJoHS, Prof. (Dr.) Debra Nestel, for her everlasting support to researchers and innovators by adding this supplement.
As Supplement Editors, we hope you will enjoy reading the inaugural edition of the SRSIS due for publication in July. We invite you to submit studies or reports that you believe are a good fit for the SRSIS. See the submission portal for further details (https://www.ijohs.com/page/article-types).
A1 Emerging Insights into How Previous Experience and Perceived Realism Influence Performance in a Multi-Patient Simulation: A Mixed-Methods Study with Senior Undergraduate Nursing Students
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