Application of High Fidelity Simulation as a Teaching Strategy: Impact on Learning Outcomes

Background

Varied instructional approaches are used to connect the learner to understand the information that must be learned through different methods. Simulation is an instructional method that has an imitation or experience that reflects real-life situations. The use of high fidelity simulation in the last decade has progressed beyond tasks to consist of collaboration, skills of critical thinking, and the increase of multidisciplinary groups in the healthcare. The use of Human Patient Simulators (HPS) allows practice of skills in a safe environment. In 1958, the school of nursing education was established in Saudi Arabia as one year training program of nursing assistant in the Health Institute through the cooperation of Ministry of Health and World Health Organization (WHO). In Saudi Arabia, advanced simulation technology is still a new standard practice in many medical and nursing education programs.

Design/Methodology

An integrated literature review was conducted to compare the effect of high-fidelity simulation versus lecture on nursing and medical students -learning experience- in term of knowledge, self-confidence, and learning outcomes from applying different teaching methods. Ten studies published between 2002 and 2012 were included in this review with a total of 785 nursing and medical students.

Findings

The findings indicate that simulation had a significantly positive outcome on both medical and nursing students’ knowledge, self-confidence, and performance. However, there were some studies shown that the same effect on learning outcomes when applying different teaching methods.

Implications

This review suggests that nursing education, combined lecture with high-fidelity simulation as teaching method in order to increase student knowledge and confidence. More significantly it will help to reduced attrition and increased interest in clinical activities. High-fidelity simulation can be used to supplement a shortage of faculty in the clinical and academia settings in Saudi Arabia where a faculty shortage exist. Future research and collaboration between organizations are also suggested to define the best practice once applying high-fidelity simulation to distance education