Use of Simulation in Nursing Education: The Virginia State Simulation Alliance Position Statement
September 2008
During this critical time of nursing and nursing faculty shortages, compacted with limited clinical sites, the use of simulated clinical learning experiences paves the way to manage these crucial issues. At the same time it is imperative that clinical simulated learning experiences are authentic in order to provide students with appropriate learning experiences that will provide optimum healthcare provider and patient outcomes upon transitioning into an actual healthcare setting. To that end, the Virginia State Simulation Alliance offers the following information and guidelines to assist regulation agencies when developing policies for the use of simulation in nursing education.
Clinical Simulation Defined:
Clinical simulation is an active event or experience in which students are immersed into a realistic clinical environment or situation. The simulated experience incorporates clinical objectives, pre-assessment, student preparation, orientation, debriefing, student evaluation, and faculty involvement. During this authentic clinical experience learners are required to integrate and synthesize core concepts and knowledge; apply appropriate interpersonal and psychomotor skills as well as incorporate critical thinking and decision making skills using a process involving assessment, intervention and evaluation.
Clinical Simulation Scenarios or Experiences:
Simulation scenarios are based on theoretical concepts and scientific knowledge and must be tied to clinical content and objectives. Simulated clinical experiences incorporate videotaping, debriefing and discussion about course content and the simulated clinical experience.
Time Frame of a Clinical Simulation Experience:
A simulated clinical experience is considered to be a compressed simulation experience in which clinical time is accelerated to meet the needs of the clinical objectives and desired clinical outcomes. Per research by the National League for Nursing Simulation Research Team, the minimum time frame for a simulation experience is 15-30 minutes and it should have a specific focus on selected educational objectives.
Simulation Group Size & Participants’ Role:
Per research, the optimum group size for a clinical simulation experience is 2-6 participants. Individuals participating in simulations have active roles. All members of the simulation experience takes part in the debriefing experience as the debriefing is a crucial part of the simulated learning experience.
Student Evaluation:
Evaluation of the clinical simulation experience should be consistent with the direct clinical evaluation process.
Percentage allocation of Clinical Simulated Experiences:
Each program can use up to 25% of the required direct patient contact hours for simulation. Each program can use any additional program hours for direct or simulated clinical experiences. A program cannot substitute more than 50% of direct contact hours for any one course with simulation.
References:
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