Faculty and student perceptions of the realism and value of human patient simulators

Abstract

Nursing students need to practice clinical skills and decision making in a controlled, safe environment. Human patient simulators are being used as an active teaching tool to simulate life-like patient reactions and clinical scenarios. Further investigation is needed to determine if students have a more realistic experience with making patient care decisions when utilizing human patient simulators. The purpose of this study is to determine if clinical simulations including assessments, decision making, communication, and psychomotor skills predict clinical competence for nursing students. This study is a partial replication of Feingold et al.’s (2004) study. Knowles Theory of Andragogy is the theoretical framework for this typical descriptive study. The sample will consist of two groups of 50 baccalaureate nursing students at Purdue University and two groups of two Purdue University nursing instructors during two consecutive semesters of a single academic year. Permission will be obtained from Ball State University, Purdue University, and all participants. Findings will provide information for nursing faculty regarding the value and effectiveness of using human patient simulators in nursing education.