Patient Deterioration Education: Evaluation of Face-to-Face Simulation and e-Simulation Approaches

Background: Simulation-based education is one strategy that may be used to teach nursing students to recognize and manage patient deterioration. Method: Final-year preregistration nursing students (n = 97) completed three face-to-face laboratory-based team simulations with a simulated patient (actor) and 330 students individually completed a three-scenario Web-based simulation program: FIRST(2)ACTWeb (TM). Results: Both groups achieved moderate performance scores (means: face to face, 49%; e-simulation, 69%). Course evaluations were positive, skill gain showing a greater effect size in the face-to-face program than for e-simulation, and higher satisfaction and more positive appraisal. Conclusion: Face-to-face simulation and e-simulation are effective educational strategies with e-simulation offering greater feasibility. Either strategy is likely to add value to the learning experience. (C) 2015 International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.