Assessment of high fidelity simulation with actors in palliative care in nursing students: a mixed methods study

The most effective training methods are experiential, including those focused on experiences and emotions. Clinical simulation, especially high-fidelity simulation, is one of the most effective methodologies for the acquisition of competencies in care like palliative care. The simulation with actors can train future healthcare science professionals: in technical, intellectual, or interpersonal skills. The objective is to evaluate high-fidelity simulation with actors as a tool in palliative care training for nursing students.

Over three years, the study was conducted in a Faculty of Nursing of the south of Spain with nursing students. A mixed methods study with sequential explanatory design in three moments was conducted: (1) Quasi-experimental study in a single group (n = 12) before and after attending the palliative care course with Clinical Simulation with actors to assess the communication skills (CICAA scale), (2) Qualitative study with phenomenological perspective after Clinical Simulation (174 reflective students' narratives), (3) Cross-sectional observational study, one year later, to assess the transfer of knowledge and skills to the clinical practice (71 students).

Students who interacted with actors in Clinical Simulation improved their communication skills and the ability to establish an effective helping relationship with both end-of-life patients and their families. The students perceived the Clinical Simulation as an innovative learning methodology that is useful to encourage reflection and transfer of learning during their clinical internship.

Standardization of the use of active learning methodologies is recommended for a better acquisition of transversal skills such as communication skills in palliative care.