A Cost-Utility Analysis Comparing Traditional Clinical, Manikin-Based Simulation, and Screen-Based Virtual Simulation Activities

Abstract

Background: Simulation activities are used increasingly in nursing education to augment or replace traditional clinical experiences. Educators and regulators are called on to make evidence-based decisions about the use of limited clinical and simulation resources. Method: This cost-utility analysis addresses the final aim of a study comparing cognitive learning, patient care performance, and self-perceptions of how well learning needs were met among students who were exposed to 4 hours of traditional clinical experience, 2 hours of manikin-based simulation, or 2 hours of screen-based virtual simulation. The costs of each activity were calculated and divided by a composite measure of the utility of each activity. Results: The cost-utilities for 4 hours of traditional clinical experience, 2 hours of manikin-based simulation, and 2 hours of screen-based virtual simulation were $0.15, $0.62, and $0.38, respectively, in U.S. dollars per unit of utility. Conclusion: The data provide evidence for educators and administrators to make effective and efficient use of limited resources to prepare nurses for practice. [ J Nurs Educ . 2024;63(2):79–85.]