Glaucoma and cataracts: a nurse-patient simulation for nursing students

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Medical Simulation
• Patient Experience

Background:

• Traditional nursing education may not fully prepare students for the challenges faced by patients with visual impairments.
• There is a need for innovative teaching methods to foster empathy and practical skills in nursing students.

Observation:

• Student nurses participated in a role-playing simulation involving temporary vision loss.
• Instructors and students provided qualitative feedback on the simulation's effectiveness.

Findings:

• Students reported an improved understanding of the difficulties and emotional impact of vision loss.
• The simulation prepared students for future clinical encounters with visually impaired patients.
• Nursing instructors found the simulation valuable and planned its integration into the curriculum.

Implications:

• This easily replicable and low-cost simulation can enhance nursing curricula.
• Implementing such simulations can improve student preparedness and patient care for individuals with visual disorders.
• Interprofessional interest suggests broader applicability in healthcare education.