Simulation With Standardized Patients Designed as Interventions to Develop Nursing Students’ Cultural Competence: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Introduction: Nursing education is challenged to improve students’ cultural competence. Clinical simulation using standardized patients (SPs) may be an effective learning intervention. This systematic review was to identify current evidence on the use of simulations with SPs as learning interventions that have been developed to improve nursing students’ cultural competence and on the effectiveness of those interventions. Method: Using published guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of studies on simulation using SPs to teach cultural competence. Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. Outcomes of simulation with SPs increased levels of nursing students’ cultural competence. Simulations with SPs were used in theoretical and practicum courses of nursing students’ cultural competence, often combined with case-study and video presentations. Other forms of cultural education also improved cultural competence. Discussion: This study supports that a combination of lecture, case-based learning, and simulation with SPs can increase nursing students’ cultural competence.