Abstract
•Screen based simulation (SBS) most frequently conducted by students in pairs at school or alone at home.•SBS most frequently used for decision making and clinical reasoning.•SBS most likely to be used when leaders are trained in simulation.•Debriefing with an instructor is considered an essential element in SBS.•SBS was least used in mid-size nursing schools (100-200 students).•Most common barriers to implementation of SBS include cost and faculty development.
Clinical simulation is a major component of undergraduate healthcare training. However, data are lacking regarding simulation modalities used in Europe. The purpose of this national study is to describe how screen-based simulation (SBS) is being used as well as identify the barriers to its use in nursing schools in France.
This study employed a descriptive design with 207 nursing schools in France. Nursing school leaders (Deans, Heads of School, Simulation Coordinators or Leaders) were asked to complete an online survey.
Traditional simulation was used in 92% of the nursing schools, but only 41% used SBS. Most nursing schools used SBS in a face-to-face format with students paired at a computer followed by a debriefing or alone at home. SBS is used mostly to teach decision making and clinical reasoning. SBS was used to complement traditional clinical time rather than replace it. Barriers included cost of SBS solutions, lack of recent computer equipment, high-speed internet network and training of the trainers. SBS is more frequently used in small nursing schools or large nursing schools where leaders are trained in simulation.
Although simulation is broadly adopted by nursing schools in France, the use of SBS remains limited. Nurse leaders in mid-size nursing schools (with 100-200 nursing students) should consider investing more resources in SBS. A post-pandemic assessment is warranted.
