Implementing high-fidelity simulations with large groups of nursing students

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Medical Simulation
• Pedagogy

Background:

• Simulation is a growing teaching strategy in nursing education.
• Traditional simulations involve small student groups.
• Implementing large-scale simulations presents unique challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the implementation of high-fidelity simulations for a large undergraduate nursing cohort.
• To evaluate knowledge acquisition in students observing versus actively participating in simulations.

Main Methods:

• Six high-fidelity simulation scenarios were developed and implemented.
• A large group of undergraduate nursing students participated.
• Knowledge was assessed via postsimulation quizzes for both active and observing participants.

Main Results:

• The study focused on knowledge increase measured by postsimulation quiz scores.
• It compared outcomes between students actively engaged in the simulation and those who observed.
• Preliminary findings suggest potential for knowledge gain in observing students.

Conclusions:

• Large-group, high-fidelity simulation is feasible in undergraduate nursing programs.
• Observational learning within simulations may contribute to knowledge acquisition.
• Further research is warranted to fully understand the impact of passive observation in simulation-based learning.