Implementation of a Telephone-Triage Simulation-Based Experience Into Undergraduate Nursing Curriculum

Background: Due to changes in health care delivery, there is an increased emphasis on treating patients in the outpatient setting. Phone triage is widely used by nurses in outpatient settings and Simulation-Based Experience (SBE) offers a number of educational benefits. Method: A telephone-triage SBE was developed to be delivered remotely to teach nursing students best practices, protocols, and competencies specific to telephone triage nursing. Seventy-seven undergraduate nursing students participated in the SBE. Results: Thirty-four students completed an online Simulation Effectiveness Tool-Modified (SET-M) and reported overall positive feedback. Conclusion: Incorporating telephone triage into the curricula can help prepare nursing students to meet the new demands in health care while practicing at the top of their licenses.