The time is right for Web-based clinical simulation in nursing education

Abstract

E-simulation involves goal-based role play using digital simulations that take place via a computer screen. Learners interact with the program via multi-media applications such as animation and video, graphics, sound, vision, and text through the use of advanced Web authoring tools. When the simulation is Web-based (via a remote server), this allows data collection and real-time feedback. We aimed to explore how the Internet has been utilized for the purposes of e-simulation in healthcare education. We describe published resources focusing on pre-registration education for undergraduate nursing and medicine students. Many studies in these domains have developed e-simulation as components of research, but we identified only four that were openly accessible (without fees). We describe four Web-based simulation programs that will benefit learners through better understanding of cardiopulmonary resuscitation; patient deterioration recognition and management; communication with the mentally ill; and knowledge of cultural competence. These programs have the advantage of being available across borders and are accessible to a broad audience wherever there is adequate Internet access. The approach appears to be highly acceptable to learners and offers the opportunity for repeated practice. The time is right for greater distribution and sharing of Web-based simulation resources for teaching in both undergraduate and at professional levels. Web-based simulation programs are a valuable resource that can be used in combination with traditional forms of laboratory and classroom teaching, in order to facilitate the development of students' clinical competence.

The value of simulation-based learning in pre-licensure nurse education: A state-of-the-art review and meta-analysis

“…Evidence shows that simulation programs are costly and very time-consuming to develop Cant and Cooper 2015). A strength of this study is the wide range of curriculum topics seen in the designs used and in the incorporated scenarios, which create a potential resource for other institutions.…”

“…It should be noted that there is an online collection of simulation scenarios and resources: SIM-one SIM Scenario Exchange ™ (http://www.simone.ca/scenario) as a valuable resource for educators and technicians alike. There are also commercial subscription simulation resources which have the benefit of being well authenticated (eg, Laerdal education resources http://www.laerdal.com/au/docid/27318271/Educational-Services) and others (Cant and Cooper 2015).…”

Enhancing the management of deteriorating patients with Australian on line e‐simulation software: Acceptability, transferability, and impact in Hong Kong

“…In addition, programs of learning that are based on standardized clinical approaches are likely to have good generic outcomes across cultures. A number of new online screen‐based simulation programs have positive learning outcomes in fields as diverse as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, cultural competence, and communication skills (Cant & Cooper, ).…”

What's in this issue

“…Simulation is therefore a practical learning strategy to address events that might happen and may not have been encountered before. Simulation has been critiqued as being expensive, time consuming, and sometimes unrealistic (Cant and Cooper, ). Importantly, without opportunity to rehearse the skills learned in simulation, skill fade can rapidly erode capabilities (for a comprehensive review, see GMC https://www.gmc-uk.org/-/media/about/skills-fade-literature-review-full-report.pdf).…”