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Making it real: using standardized patients to bring case studies to life
Debra Webster1, Lisa Seldomridge, Laurie Rockelli
1Salisbury University, Maryland 21801, USA. dawebster@salisbury.edu
Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
|April 27, 2012
Summary
Nurse educators can improve nursing students' therapeutic communication and assessment skills for patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by combining case studies with standardized patients. This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of this innovative learning strategy.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Psychiatric Nursing
- Mental Health Care
Background:
- Increasing prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) necessitates enhanced nursing education.
- Traditional training may not adequately prepare students for therapeutic communication with PTSD patients.
- Need for innovative pedagogical approaches in psychiatric nursing curricula.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a combined learning strategy using case studies and standardized patients for nursing students.
- To facilitate the development of therapeutic communication and assessment skills in students caring for individuals with PTSD.
- To evaluate student feedback on this alternative learning activity.
Main Methods:
- Development of two case studies focused on PTSD.
- Training actors to portray patients based on the case studies.
- Implementation with 14 baccalaureate nursing students in a psychiatric nursing clinical course.
Main Results:
- The pilot program integrated case studies with standardized patient interactions.
- Students participated in an alternative learning activity designed to enhance clinical skills.
- Student evaluations of the learning activity were collected and are presented.
Conclusions:
- Combining case studies and standardized patients offers a viable method for teaching PTSD care.
- This approach can enhance essential communication and assessment skills for nursing students.
- Further research may explore broader implementation and long-term impact on clinical practice.
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