Simulation for Learning: How successful is it?

Dr Barbara Wood

Mrs Joanne Garside

Simulation is:

‘ A near representation of an actual life event; may be presented by using computer software, role play, case studies or games that represent reality and actively involve learners in applying the content of the lesson’.

Billings and Halstead (2005)

A Different teaching strategy

• Often viewed as a different teaching strategy.

• Not just a stage between theory and practice.

• Offers an opportunity for theory to be delivered through practice.

• ‘What I read I forget, what I see I remember, what I do I understand’

• Simulation is about promoting understanding through the doing.

Simulated Wards

Simulation involves turning this…..

Into this

And this

Into this

And this

Turning this.....

Into this

Embedded

• Simulation is integrated within the whole curriculum not just ‘bolted on’

• Begins in week one – hand washing• Focus in year 2 (Adult)

– Acutely Ill patient in a secondary care setting• ABCDE

– Patient/client with a long term condition in a primary care setting

• Focus in year 3 (Adult)– Critically ill adult

Simulation strategies

Medium fidelity

High fidelity

A simulation session

• Acute and Critical Care • Groups • Positively Critique

The scenario 34 year old gentleman admitted to Medical Assessment Unit History of flu like symptoms and vomiting for 3 days.His wife informs you that he was diagnosed as an Insulindependant diabetic 12 months ago

Evaluation

• After module completed/before assessment submitted

• Questionnaire – Biographical details – Open ended questions

• Interviews

• Ethical approval

• Consent

• Data Analysis – Thematic technique

Evaluation

Learning styles ‘I really enjoy these sessions and feel there should be more as it is easier to

learn whenthe lesson is practical’

‘It is great and it is a session I look forward to each week.’

Team working ‘…piece together problems and question why things are occurring as a team.’

Theory to practice‘[I have learnt] how to put theory into practice and ...to practise procedures in a

safe environment.’

‘Nursing practice is totally new to me – simulation has helped me to link and increase understanding between theory and practice’

Evaluation

Confidence building ‘They made me feel much more confident about putting these skills into real practice before we go into clinical placements’

Individual support ‘They give you the confidence to ask questions, even when you are unsure’.

Fear factor ‘The other students watching you, it is off putting when people are watching you.’

Discussion

• Environment – Comparable – Safe – Real time

• Marketing

• Can be stressful – Prepares the student for the reality

of the practice setting• Enjoyable• Good practice • Time outs

• Confidence– Clinical development– Questioning

• Competence

Issues: • Nerve racking

– Audience – Plastic

• High versus Medium fidelity

• Resource Intensive

Debates

• Alternative learning method

• Justify resources?

• Replace practice?

• Improve patient outcome?

And finally…….

A personal invite to visit Yorkshire this June

June 09 and 10 2010 in Huddersfield

Closing date for abstracts extended until 16 March

2010

Keynote speaker: Professor Maggi Savin-

Baden

Thank you

Questions?