Comparing didactic approaches for practical skills learning in Scandinavian nursing simulation centres: A qualitative...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Simulation-Based Learning
• Pedagogy

Background:

• Academic simulation centers are crucial for developing practical nursing skills, essential for patient safety and quality care.
• Effective didactic approaches are vital for promoting the acquisition and retention of these skills.
• Limited research exists on the specific didactic approaches used in nursing practical skills learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore and compare the didactic approaches to practical skills learning in Scandinavian nursing simulation centers.
• To identify variations and similarities in teaching methodologies across Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative comparative design was employed.
• Interviews were conducted with 37 simulation center directors or assistant directors in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.
• A qualitative deductive content analysis was performed on the interview data.

Main Results:

• All five didactic components from the didactic relationship model were identified.
• Twenty-two categories revealed variations in didactic approaches across Scandinavian nursing simulation centers.
• Similarities were noted in the 'Learning process' component, while 'Setting' showed differences, and 'Assessment' displayed only variations.

Conclusions:

• Despite variations, no single common didactic approach to practical nursing skills learning was identified across the Scandinavian countries.
• There is a need for nursing educational institutions to collaborate on developing a shared understanding of effective didactic approaches.
• Enhanced didactic strategies are crucial for improving competent performance in nursing education, ultimately impacting patient safety and care quality.