Supporting learners in prison healthcare work-integrated learning settings through simulation: a cross-sectional...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Health Services Research
• Online Learning Technologies

Background:

• Comprehensive orientation is crucial for successful nursing student work-integrated learning in Prison Health Services.
• Existing orientation methods may not adequately prepare students for the unique challenges of this setting.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate an innovative Prison Health Service orientation package.
• To assess the impact of asynchronous online video simulations with branched decision-making on student preparedness.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional pre- and post-survey design was employed.
• Third-year Australian undergraduate nursing students participated before and after their prison health placement.
• Independent t-tests analyzed differences in preparedness and resource evaluation.

Main Results:

• All students felt prepared after the pre-placement survey; preparedness significantly increased post-placement (p < .001).
• Online simulation resources, particularly those on personal boundaries and manipulative behaviors, were rated as useful.
• The majority of students recommended the orientation package, suggesting streamlining for efficiency.

Conclusions:

• Asynchronous online simulation with branched decision-making and feedback is perceived as effective for preparing nursing students for Prison Health Service placements.
• The comprehensive online orientation package enhances feelings of preparedness for this specialized clinical setting.