Interdisciplinary Disaster Drill Simulation: Laying the Groundwork for Further Research

AIM The aim of this study was to examine the effect of using serial simulations with progression through the nursing curriculum. BACKGROUND Simulation provides a way to learn without fear of failure and increase critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills. Learning in an interdisciplinary simulation provides a greater understanding of teamwork and communication skills. METHOD The NLN/Jeffries Simulation Framework was used in an interactive disaster drill with role-playing patient actors and manikins. In a debriefing session, nursing and radiology students co-presented scenarios. RESULTS Students displayed critical thinking and clinical decision-making skills. They reported an increase in self-confidence in caring for patients during a disaster, an increase in empathy, and learning by observing others. CONCLUSION This pilot study revealed that an interdisciplinary disaster drill simulation experience was a positive learning experience for both nursing and radiology students.