Patterns of communication in high-fidelity simulation.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Communication
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• High-fidelity simulation is widely used in nursing education, primarily for critical thinking, decision-making, and psychomotor skills.
• Effective nurse-patient communication is vital, as emphasized by professional organizations and graduate program outcomes.
• Communication scenarios in simulation often occur in interprofessional or intraprofessional contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine communication patterns in high-fidelity simulation among senior baccalaureate nursing students.
• To identify specific communication behaviors and missed opportunities during a medical-surgical scenario.
• To provide evidence supporting the integration of communication skills development within simulation-based nursing education.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study analyzing video recordings of 71 senior baccalaureate nursing students during a medical-surgical simulation.
• Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring communication patterns and themes.
• Data collection focused on observed interactions during the simulation scenario.

Main Results:

• Identified three primary communication patterns: focusing on tasks, communicating-in-action, and being therapeutic.
• Observed sub-categories included missing communication opportunities, narrow focus, information-giving over dialogue, use of medical jargon, and discomfort with therapeutic techniques.
• Students demonstrated both effective therapeutic techniques and areas for improvement in communication.

Conclusions:

• High-fidelity simulation is a valuable tool for developing nurse-patient communication expertise.
• Prioritizing communication aspects within simulation scenarios and debriefing is essential for all nursing students.
• Findings underscore the need for explicit instruction and practice in therapeutic communication within simulation.