A complex elder care simulation using improvisational actors.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Geriatric Care
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• Complex patient care scenarios challenge nursing students' knowledge synthesis.
• Simulations offer a safe environment for developing critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills.
• Cognitive impairment in elders presents unique care challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, implement, and evaluate a simulation for nursing students focusing on cognitive impairment in elders.
• To provide third-year baccalaureate nursing students with hands-on experience in complex geriatric care.
• To assess students' ability to differentiate delirium from dementia and manage related patient and family concerns.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a simulation involving actors portraying cognitively impaired elderly patients.
• Third-year baccalaureate nursing students participated in the simulation.
• Students were tasked with clinical decision-making, including differential diagnosis and family communication.

Main Results:

• The simulation provided a practical platform for applying theoretical knowledge to clinical situations.
• Students demonstrated engagement in critical thinking and problem-solving during the simulation.
• The experience facilitated the identification of key symptoms and appropriate interventions for cognitive impairment and heart failure.

Conclusions:

• Simulation-based learning is effective in enhancing nursing students' clinical decision-making skills for complex geriatric cases.
• This simulation effectively prepared students to manage patients with cognitive impairment and co-existing conditions like heart failure.
• The use of actors in simulations provides a realistic and valuable learning experience for nursing education.