Development and dissemination of Web-based clinical simulations for continuing geriatric nursing education

This article describes the process of developing and disseminating a Web-based library of geriatric clinical simulations used in continuing education workshops. Twenty-six peer-reviewed clinical simulations were developed on topics reflecting prevalent acute illnesses, conditions, or sentinel events that, if left undetected or untreated, could cause further comorbidity, hospitalization, or death. Geriatric nursing competencies identified by The John A. Hartford Foundation Institute for Geriatric Nursing were also incorporated. More than 700 workshop attendees and others have used these online clinical simulations. User evaluations of realism, accuracy of the situation or problem portrayed, and relevance to practice were rated as excellent or very good by more than 85% of the users. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for Lifelong Learning Web site will offer this library with associated American Nurses Credentialing Center contact hours. This online access provides nurses high-quality continuing education offerings to increase knowledge and improve competence in the care of aging adults.