Simulation as a learning method in public health nurse education

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Medical Simulation
• Public Health

Background:

• Vaccination is a critical public health intervention.
• Anaphylaxis is a rare but serious adverse event following vaccination.
• Effective management of anaphylaxis requires specific nursing competence.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate simulation as a learning method for managing anaphylaxis during vaccination.
• To explore nursing students' reflections on their simulation experiences.
• To connect simulation experiences with established learning theories.

Main Methods:

• Public health nursing students participated in simulated anaphylaxis scenarios during infant vaccination.
• Students documented their experiences through reflection notes.
• Qualitative content analysis was used to analyze the reflection notes.

Main Results:

• Students found simulation to be a realistic and stressful, yet effective, educational method.
• Simulation highlighted the importance of cooperation and communication in acute care.
• Students reported increased preparedness for handling vaccine-associated anaphylaxis.

Conclusions:

• Simulation is a valuable didactic method for developing competence in managing anaphylaxis.
• Student experiences align with Kolb's and Schön's learning theories.
• Simulation enhances nursing students' understanding of their professional responsibilities in critical events.