CitySCaPE: Moving beyond indifference in education for pre-registration nurses about learning disability

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Simulation
• Learning Disabilities Care

Background:

• Individuals with learning disabilities and Autism often receive inadequate healthcare.
• There is a need for improved training for nursing students in this area.
• Existing training methods may not adequately prepare students for real-world challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the CitySCaPE multimedia simulation resource.
• To assess nursing students' experience with the simulation.
• To determine if the resource improves understanding of care for individuals with learning disabilities.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-methods evaluation approach was used.
• 146 nursing students completed a questionnaire with quantitative and qualitative data.
• The CitySCaPE resource was implemented as part of simulated practice.

Main Results:

• The CitySCaPE resource suits diverse learning styles.
• Students found the simulation realistic and beneficial.
• It improved nursing students' understanding of learning disability care.

Conclusions:

• CitySCaPE is an effective pedagogy for nursing education.
• The resource enhances understanding of person-centred care for individuals with learning disabilities.
• CitySCaPE can serve as a model for challenging practice-based learning scenarios.