An evaluation of paper-and-pencil and computer-assisted simulations

Two formats of delivering clinical simulations for nurse practitioners were evaluated in this study. The two formats included paper-and-pencil, latent-image format, and computer-assisted instruction. Twelve students in a graduate family nurse practitioner curriculum were the subjects. They reported no preference for type of format nor were any differences observed in student performance when comparing the two formats. The cost for the latent-image format was estimated at approximately $8500 and the cost for computer simulation at approximately $10,500. The implications of these findings for nursing curriculums are discussed.