title: Simulation experiences of paramedic students: a cross-cultural examination.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Simulation-based education is an important part of paramedic education and training. While accessing clinical placements that are adequate in quality and quantity continues to be challenging, simulation is being recognized by paramedic academics as a potential alternative. Examining students' satisfaction of simulation, particularly cross-culturally is therefore important in providing feedback to academic teaching staff and the international paramedic community.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed to compare simulation satisfaction among paramedic students from universities in Australia and Jordan.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional study using a paper-based English version of the Satisfaction with Simulation Experience Scale was administered to paramedic students from all year levels.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 511 students participated in this study; 306 students (60%) from Australia (Monash University) and 205 students (40%) from Jordan (Jordan University of Science and Technology). There were statistically significant differences with large effect size noted in all three original factors between Australian and Jordanian students: debrief and feedback (mean =38.66 vs mean =34.15; P<0.001; d=0.86), clinical reasoning (mean =21.32 vs mean =18.28; P<0.001; d=0.90), and clinical learning (mean =17.59 vs mean =15.47; P<0.001; d=1.12).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study has demonstrated that simulation education is generally well received by students in Australia and Jordan although Australian students reported having higher satisfaction levels then their Jordanian counterparts. These results provide important data for paramedic educators involved in simulation-based education and training in Australia and Jordan and pave the way for other cross-cultural examinations to be explored.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Emergency Health & Paramedic Practice, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Brett
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Emergency Health & Paramedic Practice, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Chloe
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Abel
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
authors.forename: Eihab
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Khasawneh
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Emergency Health & Paramedic Practice, Monash University, Frankston, Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ross
authors.affiliation: School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Tracy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Levett-Jones
keywords: allied health worker; culture; education; paramedics; simulation; student; undergraduate