High fidelity patient silicone simulation: a qualitative evaluation of nursing students' experiences

Clinical experience is recognised as a source of fear and anxiety for undergraduate nursing students. Simulated learning experiences have been identified as potentially increasing confidence, however most techniques do not always reflect clinical reality or are too costly. The aim of the current study is to explore nursing students' perceptions of the use of High Fidelity Silicone Simulation, developed by one university academic to overcome these limitations. A simulated patient with a personal and medical history is developed and brought to life through wearing life-like silicone props including face, hands and torso. The academic is able to adapt responses to direct student learning. This paper presents the findings from a qualitative exploratory study of nursing students' responses to this technique. Twenty-one students in second or third year of the nursing program participated in one of three focus groups to discuss their experiences. Data were analysed using a thematic approach. Data analysis revealed three main themes: preparation for clinical reality, reducing fear/increasing confidence, and taking out of comfort zone. These findings suggest that this technique has the potential to increase nursing students' sense of preparedness for their clinical experience, thus reducing the negative impact of fear and apprehension.