title: The simulated hospital environment: a qualitative study applying space industry techniques.
abstract: Patterned after the integrated simulation approach utilized in the space industry, we report results of an innovative simulation in nursing, a 96-hour continuous simulated hospital environment. Training objectives for our study emphasized the integrative and critical thinking skills needed by new graduate nurses. The purpose of this study was to determine the process for development and the experience of participating in a simulated hospital environment. We sought to (a) translate space industry-integrated simulation techniques into development of a simulated hospital environment and (b) determine the experience of participating in an integrated simulation experience among undergraduate (UG) and graduate nursing students and nursing faculty. We used a qualitative mixed-methods design. Data were collected from participant focus groups, debriefing sessions, research team field notes, and electronic health record documentation. The sample, 72 student focus group participants, consisted of 12 baccalaureate-level soon-to-graduate students and 60 graduate nurse practitioner students as patient actors and providers. Important themes emerged from the project. We were able to design a simulated hospital environment that was true to life. Notably, student knowledge-practice gap was a major theme of the study, consistent with studies of employer concerns of new graduate nurses.
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor and Director of Undergraduate Nursing, Nelda C. Stark College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University. Electronic address: cayers@twu.edu.
authors.forename: Constance J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Ayers
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor and Interim Associate Dean, Nelda C. Stark College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University.
authors.forename: Brenda K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Binder
authors.affiliation: Executive Director, Louisiana State Board of Nursing, Formerly Associate Dean, Nelda C. Stark College of Nursing Texas Woman's University.
authors.forename: Karen C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Lyon
authors.affiliation: Associate Professor, Nelda C. Stark College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University.
authors.forename: Diane
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Montgomery
authors.affiliation: Professor, Nelda C. Stark College of Nursing, Texas Woman's University.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Koci
authors.affiliation: Consultant.
authors.forename: William A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Foster
mesh_terms: D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000379:methods*; D017144:Focus Groups; D006739:Hospital Administration; D009729:Nursing; D036301:Qualitative Research
keywords: Integrated simulation; Nursing simulation; Simulated hospital environment; Space industry simulation techniques