A Simulation-Based Clinical Nursing Education Framework for a Low-Resource Setting: A Multimethod Study

Area of Science:

• Health Professions Education
• Nursing Education
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• Simulation-based clinical nursing education (SBCNE) is valuable but lacks contextual frameworks in low-resource settings.
• Ghana faces challenges in implementing SBCNE due to the absence of a tailored guiding framework.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a context-specific framework for designing, implementing, and evaluating SBCNE in low-resource environments.
• To address the need for a structured approach to simulation in nursing education within resource-limited contexts.

Main Methods:

• Sequential multimethod design: scoping review, qualitative situational analysis (focus groups, interviews), and narrative synthesis.
• Development of a draft framework based on synthesized data.
• Stakeholder evaluation of the draft framework using nominal group discussions.

Main Results:

• A user-centric, comprehensive, and context-specific SBCNE framework was developed.
• The framework comprises five key constructs: context, planning, design, community of learning, and outcomes.
• The framework is designed to guide the effective implementation of simulation in nursing education.

Conclusions:

• The developed SBCNE framework has the potential to significantly enhance simulation implementation and clinical competence development in low-resource settings.
• Advocacy for financial support and resource allocation is crucial for adopting SBCNE and implementing the framework.
• Nursing leaders and educators should champion the adoption of SBCNE and the framework with regulatory bodies and government partners.