Distance Learning and Clinical Simulation in Senior Baccalaureate Nursing Education

BackgroundThis study evaluates the effectiveness of combining distance education, point-to-point video teleconferencing (P2PVTC), and remote operation of a human patient simulator to connect a simulator technology specialist and instructors with the human patient simulator and distant trainees.MethodsDidactic material was delivered via an online course management system. Simulation at a distance was carried out using a Laerdal SimMan, P2PVTC, and remote desktop control. Data were collected and included health care knowledge gained (via pre- and posttest scores) and measures of participant satisfaction.ResultsParticipants evaluated the course favorably (p < 0.05) with the exception of their satisfaction with presimulation materials (p = 0.086). On a Likert scale of 1 (very low) to 10 (very high), six of the seven students (87%) rated their workshop experience as “very high.”ConclusionsCombining distance learning with high-fidelity human patient simulation at a distance is feasible. Participants acknowledged the value of simulation at a distance, but the low sample size prevented the generalizability of results.