The Use of High-fidelity Simulation in Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing Clinical Education

Background: High-fidelity simulation recreates real-life situations in a safe learning environment and encourages critical thinking in students. Published research in simulation in psychiatric/mental health nursing is sparse. Methods: Four scenarios exemplifying drug or alcohol abuse utilizing the computerized, mannequin SimMan® were implemented. Students evaluated their learning experience following completion of the simulation via a 20-item, Likert-scale survey which included open-ended questions. Results: Results were positive. Students rated all items on the survey as “agree” or “strongly agree” (Mean 4.77, SD=0.55). Conclusions: High fidelity clinical education simulations are an effective means of facilitating student learning of psychiatric and mental health clinical experiences. Students found simulation to be a useful and engaging means by which to learn to care for clients with drug or alcohol abuse disorders.