Nurse students learning acute care by simulation - Focus on observation and debriefing.
BACKGROUND
Simulation creates the possibility to experience acute situations during nursing education which cannot easily be achieved in clinical settings.


OBJECTIVE
To describe how nursing students learn acute care of patients through simulation exercises, based on observation and debriefing.


METHODS
The study was designed as an observational study inspired by an ethnographic approach.


METHODS
Data was collected through observations and interviews. Data was analyzed using an interpretive qualitative content analysis.


RESULTS
Nursing students created space for reflection when needed. There was a positive learning situation when suitable patient scenarios were presented. Observations and discussions with peers gave the students opportunities to identify their own need for knowledge, while also identifying existing knowledge. Reflections could confirm or reject their preparedness for clinical practice. The importance of working in a structured manner in acute care situations became apparent. However, negative feedback to peers was avoided, which led to a loss of learning opportunity.


CONCLUSIONS
High fidelity simulation training as a method plays an important part in the nursing students' learning. The teacher also plays a key role by asking difficult questions and guiding students towards accurate knowledge. This makes it possible for the students to close knowledge gaps, leading to improved patient safety.
Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, Science and Technology, Karlstad University, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden. Electronic address: anna.abelsson@kau.se.
Anna
A
Abelsson
Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health, Science and Technology, Karlstad University, 651 88 Karlstad, Sweden. Electronic address: birgitta.bisholt@kau.se.
Birgitta
B
Bisholt
D000884:Anthropology, Cultural / Q000379:methods; D004508:Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007858:Learning; D016544:Patient Simulation; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013338:Students, Nursing / Q000523:psychology*
Content analysis; Debriefing; Nurse education; Observation; Simulation