An Exploration of Haptic Technology in Nursing and Clinical Simulated Education

Background/Purpose:The use of clinical simulation as an adjunct tool for student learning and development in addition to traditional didactic teaching modalities has been traditionally favored by health care education found within both academic and clinical settings. However, evidence suggest that there are limitations to the current use of simulation and thoughtful considerations must be made to leverage the current use of simulation to further the development of additional learning strategies. The aim of this research is to examine the strengths and limitations of haptic technology and to identify opportunities for future research relating to the use and adaptation of haptic technology as part of a pedagogical framework to overcome the existing challenges in simulated education. Promoting nurses’ (and students’) performance, skills, and competencies through innovative teaching/learning strategies may also foster better patient outcomes and enhance patient safety.

Methods: The primary method used is based on the integrative review framework by Whittemore and Knafl (2005). Based on the literature review strategies, 21 articles were included for analysis.

Results: Five themes have emerged from the analysis of the literature and includes knowledge and skills development with haptic technology, patient safety and outcomes with haptic technology; 3) assessment and evaluation framework with haptic technology; and limitations and future implications of haptic technology.

Discussions and Conclusions: The findings of this review suggest the many benefits associated with haptic technology and its integration into simulated education as it establishes and promotes greater knowledge, skills, and learning outcomes. The benefits of haptic technology and its influence on patient safety and outcomes have also been identified in this review. However, much limitations have been presented to suggest and demonstrate the potential gaps and areas for future research prior to a potential full-scale implementation and integration of haptic technology in nursing education particularly within simulated education. Continuous research and evaluation is recommended to support further integration and the effectiveness of this technology in nursing education and practice.