TITLE:
Assessing the Feasibility of Using a Multi-Modal Simulation Approach to Prepare Nurse Practitioners in Primary Health Care
AUTHORS:
Eric Staples, Joanna Pierazzo
KEYWORDS:
Simulation Based Learning, Curriculum Evaluation, Advanced Practice Nursing, Nurse Practitioner, Primary Health Care
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.3 No.7,
July
22,
2016
ABSTRACT: Simulation based learning in nursing education provides learners with
opportunities to practice real-life experiences. Enhancing the education of
nurse practitioners (NPs) with simulation based teaching and learning strategies
has not been well investigated. There is limited evidence related to learning
outcomes and the use of high fidelity simulation or standardized patients. In
an Ontario Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (PHCNP) Program, the use of a
multi-model simulation learning activity was piloted with a group of NP
learners. The learning activity consisted of three scenarios, each representing
typical conditions seen in primary health care across the lifespan. Each
scenario was carefully developed with consideration of curriculum goals, use of
simulation technology or standardized patients, and the role of faculty
facilitators. Learners worked in pairs as a team to complete a focused history
and physical examination, formulate a diagnosis, and develop a plan of care or
action for the patients. Following each of the three scenarios, the learner
teams received focused feedback on their performance. A guided group reflection
was conducted following the learning activity. The feedback from the learners
was positive, with a recommendation to include similar learning opportunities
earlier in the NP curriculum. The learners valued the active learning process,
including peer collaboration and group debriefing. Although the findings from
this pilot included a small group of learners, there are valuable
considerations for nursing faculty teaching in NP programs with a primary
health care focus.