When the Mannequin Dies, Creation and Exploration of a Theoretical Framework Using a Mixed Methods Approach.
BACKGROUND
Controversy exists in the simulation community as to the emotional and educational ramifications of mannequin death due to learner action or inaction. No theoretical framework to guide future investigations of learner actions currently exists. The purpose of our study was to generate a model of the learner experience of mannequin death using a mixed methods approach.


METHODS
The study consisted of an initial focus group phase composed of 11 learners who had previously experienced mannequin death due to action or inaction on the part of learners as defined by Leighton (Clin Simul Nurs. 2009;5(2):e59-e62). Transcripts were analyzed using grounded theory to generate a list of relevant themes that were further organized into a theoretical framework. With the use of this framework, a survey was generated and distributed to additional learners who had experienced mannequin death due to action or inaction. Results were analyzed using a mixed methods approach.


RESULTS
Forty-one clinicians completed the survey. A correlation was found between the emotional experience of mannequin death and degree of presession anxiety (P < 0.001). Debriefing was found to significantly reduce negative emotion and enhance satisfaction. Sixty-nine percent of respondents indicated that mannequin death enhanced learning. These results were used to modify our framework.


CONCLUSIONS
Using the previous approach, we created a model of the effect of mannequin death on the educational and psychological state of learners. We offer the final model as a guide to future research regarding the learner experience of mannequin death.
From the Department of Pediatrics (S.T.), Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL; Department of Pediatrics (K.H.M., J.W.B., T.F.M., K.A.B., A.W.C.), University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY; and Department of Pediatrics (S.A.B.), East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN.
Shreepada
S
Tripathy
Karen H
KH
Miller
John W
JW
Berkenbosch
Tara F
TF
McKinley
Kimberly A
KA
Boland
Seth A
SA
Brown
Aaron W
AW
Calhoun
D000328:Adult; D001007:Anxiety / Q000523:psychology; D001293:Attitude to Death; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D004511:Education, Nursing, Graduate; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D066296:Grounded Theory; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008348:Manikins; D010372:Pediatrics / Q000193:education*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D000066908:Simulation Training