Limited use of the human patient simulator by nurse faculty: an intervention program designed to increase use

Underutilization of human patient simulators (HPS) is not only a curricular issue but also a resource allocation problem. The study explored factors contributing to the limited HPS by faculty in a large ADN program. There is limited empirical evidence published to address this phenomenon. The researchers surveyed the faculty to identify their beliefs and challenges with implementing simulation based upon the constructs (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and intent to use) of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). An educational intervention to address these specific challenges was implemented. The intervention had a positive influence on all TPB construct means (attitudes, p < .01; subjective norms, p < .01; perceived behavioral control, p < .01; intent, p < .05). Attitude (beta = .896) was the strongest predictor in explaining intent to use the HPS. This evidenced-based study offers an approach to increasing the use of the HPS by faculty.