A Cost-Utility Analysis Comparing Traditional Clinical, Manikin-Based Simulation, and Screen-Based Virtual Simulation...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Simulation
• Health Economics

Background:

• Simulation is increasingly utilized in nursing education to supplement or substitute traditional clinical experiences.
• Evidence-based decision-making is crucial for allocating limited clinical and simulation resources effectively.
• Nursing educators and regulators require data to guide resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a cost-utility analysis comparing traditional clinical experience, manikin-based simulation, and screen-based virtual simulation.
• To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of different nursing education modalities.
• To inform resource allocation decisions in nursing education.

Main Methods:

• A cost-utility analysis was performed.
• Costs of each educational activity were calculated.
• Utility was measured using a composite metric.
• Cost-utility ratios were determined for each simulation type and traditional experience.

Main Results:

• The cost-utility for 4 hours of traditional clinical experience was $0.15 per unit of utility.
• The cost-utility for 2 hours of manikin-based simulation was $0.62 per unit of utility.
• The cost-utility for 2 hours of screen-based virtual simulation was $0.38 per unit of utility.

Conclusions:

• Traditional clinical experience demonstrates the highest utility relative to cost.
• Screen-based virtual simulation presents a more cost-effective option than manikin-based simulation.
• Findings support evidence-based resource allocation for nursing education.