Undergraduate student nurses' experience of using standardized patient simulation in mental health course: A qualitative study

ObjectivesThe aim of this research was to explore the perceptions of Lebanese student nurses on use of standardized patient simulations in the undergraduate mental health course.DesignA qualitative descriptive research design informed by descriptive phenomenology was employed.MethodSemi-structed interviews were carried out among 19 student nurses at one major private university in Beirut. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted over the period of 2 months.ResultsThe inductive thematic analysis generated five themes, namely, "Practicing therapeutic communication and mental state examination", "Readiness for clinical placement", "Realistic and safe environment to practice", "Obtaining real-time feedback", and "Enhancing confidence and reducing anxiety".ConclusionThe findings of this study emphasizes the significance of incorporating standardized patient simulations in mental health courses to enhance student learning outcomes. Standardized patient simulations can provide nursing students with a supportive learning environment that reduces their challenges in transitioning to practice by equipping them with both needed technical and soft skills.

Journal

BMC NURSING

Year

2024

Volume

23

Issue

1

ISSN

1472-6955

DOI

10.1186/s12912-024-02601-9

WoS UID

WOS:001381570300001