Can a high-fidelity simulation tutorial improve written examination results? Review of a change in teaching practice

Abstract

Background: Undergraduate nursing students prefer technology-based learning. Simulation has been used in nursing education to provide skills acquisition and clinical exposure. Can high-fidelity simulation (HFS) be used to teach tutorial content to prepare students for a written examination? Aims: To design a pilot HFS tutorial. Method: 203 second year undergraduate nurses were timetabled to attend an HFS tutorial. Examination results at first attempt were compared with the previous cohort's results. Results: 81% of the students from the HFS tutorial cohort passed at the first attempt compared with 85% from the previous cohort. Conclusion: The HFS tutorial needs to be developed further, incorporating simulation standards, to further assess its ability to improve a student's written examination results. Students found the post-simulation discussion difficult and wanted guidance in how to participate. Involvement of the university's skills and simulation team would be recommended for future cohorts to assist with design and facilitation.