Simulated-Practice Learning: a systematic narrative review

Joelle Salje

doi:10.1921/jpts20572497

Authors

Joelle Salje Solent University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2242-0818

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1921/jpts20572497

Keywords:

Education, Nursing pedagogy, Clinical practice, simulation

Abstract

Simulated-practice learning placements were initiated as a response to a placement capacity crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering an alternative enabling quality educational experience remotely. Its continued integration into undergraduate nursing programmes is representative of its success in preparing students for clinical practice.

This systematic narrative review aims to provide a critical overview of the existing literature around simulated-practice learning in undergraduate nursing students following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 12 articles in the systematic review were heterogenous. The review uses Popay et al. (2006) approach in its synthesis

Three primary themes included 1) adoption and institutional integration of simulated-practice learning placements; 2) simulated-practice learning design; 3) benefits and barriers. Simulated-practice learning placements provides a safe environment that allows those attending to experience a wide range of nursing practices. Financial strain was identified as a key barrier, as well as staffing, expertise, and additional workload.

Simulated-practice learning placements present a valuable and viable approach to deliver comprehensive and equitable learning experiences. They can, therefore, be used to complement, and not replace, clinical practice.

Author Biography

Joelle Salje, Solent University

Joelle Salje is the lead for Simulated Practice Learning (SPL) at Solent University, a widening participation university, where she prepares students for the realities of clinical practice. She uses active, experiential learning approaches, drawing on simulation-based education to immerse students in diverse aspects of the nursing role and develop confidence, critical thinking and professional identity. Her work is grounded in educational research and guided by a customised SPL design framework. Joelle’s research focuses on SPL, curriculum design and inclusivity in nursing education.

References

ASPiH 2016, SIMULATION-BASED EDUCATION IN HEALTHCARE - STANDARDS FRAMEWORK AND GUIDANCE. Available: https://aspih.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/standards-framework.pdf [2022, 18th November].

Baayd, J., Heins, Z., Walker, D., Afulani, P., Sterling, M., Sanders, J.N. & Cohen, S. 2023, "Context Matters: Factors Affecting Implementation of Simulation Training in Nursing and Midwifery Schools in North America, Africa and Asia", Clinical Simulation in Nursing, vol. 75, pp. 1–10.

Baethge, C., Goldbeck-Wood, S. & Mertens, S. 2019, "SANRA—a scale for the quality assessment of narrative review articles", Research integrity and peer review, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 1–7.

Cant, R., Ryan, C., Hughes, L., Luders, E. & Cooper, S. 2021, "What helps, what hinders? Undergraduate nursing students’ perceptions of clinical placements based on a thematic synthesis of literature", SAGE Open Nursing, vol. 7, pp. 23779608211035845.

Devereux, E. 2023, , NMC approves changes to pre-registration education standards. Available: https://www.nursingtimes.net/education-and-training/nmc-approves-changes-to-pre-registration-education-standards-25-01-2023/ [2023, 22nd October].

Foster, S. 2024, "Recognising the benefits and challenges of simulated practice learning", British Journal of Nursing, vol. 33, no. 17, pp. 851.

HEE 2020, March-last update, Student Support guidance

during COVID-19 Outbreak. Available: https://www.hee.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Student%20support%20guide%20master%20.pdf [2024, 11th November].

Henderson, A.J., Forrester, K. & Heel, A. 2006, "The establishment of structures and processes for the safe and effective clinical placement of nursing students", Nurse Education in Practice, vol. 6, no. 5, pp. 275–280.

Hill, B. 2024, "A framework for simulated practice in nurse education.", British Journal of Nursing, vol. 33, no. 5.

Hill, B. & Mitchell, A. 2024, "Virtual placements in nursing education.", British Journal of Nursing, vol. 33, no. 12.

Hong, Q.N., Fàbregues, S., Bartlett, G., Boardman, F., Cargo, M., Dagenais, P., Gagnon, M., Griffiths, F., Nicolau, B. & O’Cathain, A. 2018, "The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) version 2018 for information professionals and researchers", Education for Information, vol. 34, no. 4, pp. 285–291.

INACSL 2016, "INACSL Standards of Best Practice: SimulationSM Simulation Glossary", Clinical simulation in nursing, vol. 12, pp. 39–47.

INACSL 2000, , Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice. Available: https://www.inacsl.org/healthcare-simulation-standards [2022, 27th July].

Moher, D., Liberati, A., Tetzlaff, J., Altman, D.G. & PRISMA Group* 2009, "Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement", Annals of Internal Medicine, vol. 151, no. 4, pp. 264–269.

Morgan, K., Amanda, W., Purssell, E. & Kilburn, A. 2024, "Evaluation of a virtual practice placement: A model to increase student capacity", Nurse Education in Practice, vol. 75, pp. 103884.

NHSe 2023a, Healthcare professions accessing the clinical tariff. Available: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/healthcare-professions-accessing-the-clinical-tariff/ [2024, 25th October].

NHSe 2023b, , Long-Term Workforce Plan. Available: https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/nhs-long-term-workforce-plan-2/ [2024, 25th October].

NMC 2024a, Simulated practice learning. Available: https://www.nmc.org.uk/standards/guidance/supporting-information-for-our-education-and-training-standards/simulated-practice-learning/ [2024, April].

NMC 2024b, Simulated Practice Learning in pre-registration nursing programmes: [2024, 11th November].

NMC 2022, Current Recovery Standards. Available: https://www.nmc.org.uk/globalassets/sitedocuments/education-standards/current-recovery-programme-standards.pdf [2022, 24th August].

NMC 2018, Future nurse: Standards of proficiency for registered nurses. Available: https://www.nmc.org.uk/globalassets/sitedocuments/standards-of-proficiency/nurses/future-nurse-proficiencies.pdf [2022, 21st Oct].

NMC 2007, Supporting Direct Care through Simulated

Practice Learning in the Pre-Registration Nursing Programme, NMC, London.

Page, M.J., McKenzie, J.E., Bossuyt, P.M., Boutron, I., Hoffmann, T.C., Mulrow, C.D., Shamseer, L., Tetzlaff, J.M., Akl, E.A. & Brennan, S.E. 2021, "The PRISMA 2020 statement: an updated guideline for reporting systematic reviews", bmj, vol. 372.

Popay, J., Roberts, H., Sowden, A., Petticrew, M., Arai, L., Rodgers, M., Britten, N., Roen, K. & Duffy, S. 2006, "Guidance on the conduct of narrative synthesis in systematic reviews", A product from the ESRC methods programme Version, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. b92.

Salje, J. 2024, "Cocreation With Prelicensure Nursing Students of a Simulated Practice Placement", Nurse educator, vol. 49, no. 2, pp. E92–E96.

Salje, J. & Moyo, M. 2023, "Implementation of a virtual student placement to improve the application of theory to practice", British Journal of Nursing, vol. 32, no. 9, pp. 434–441.

Stewart, J., Hodgkiss, M., Cody, F., Parsons, K., Knight, K.H. & Hay, J. 2024, "Priorities in simulated practice learning placements.", British Journal of Nursing, vol. 33, no. 15.

Swift, A., Banks, L., Baleswaran, A., Cooke, N., Little, C., McGrath, L., Meechan‐Rogers, R., Neve, A., Rees, H. & Tomlinson, A. 2020, "COVID‐19 and student nurses: A view from England", Journal of Clinical Nursing, vol. 29, no. 17 - 18, pp. 3111–3114.

Todd, R.W. 2020, "Teachers’ perceptions of the shift from the classroom to online teaching", International Journal of TESOL Studies, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 4–16.

Vabo, G., Slettebø, Å & Fossum, M. 2022, "Nursing students’ professional identity development: an integrative review", Nordic Journal of Nursing Research, vol. 42, no. 2, pp. 62–75.

Wik, V., Barfield, S., Cornwall, M. & Lajoie, R. 2022, "Finding the right balance: student perceptions of using virtual simulation as a community placement", International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship, vol. 19, no. 1, pp. 20210135.

Williams, J., Murphy, M. & Garrow, A. 2022, "Development of a simulation placement in a pre-registration nursing programme", British Journal of Nursing, vol. 31, no. 10, pp. 549–554.