High-Fidelity Human Patient Simulation (HPS)

Introduction

Nursing educators use a variety of teaching methods to enhance learning and enable students to better become the skilled practitioners needed in today’s health care environment. One of the newest methodologies is high-fidelity human patient simulation (HPS), a strategy that combines technology with a human body mannequin. Many nursing educators have embraced this type of technology as it offers a means of facilitating cognitive, affective, and psychomotor outcomes. Self-efficacy and motivation are two variables to learning that lead to academic success.

To meet the knowledge and skills components required of graduating nurses, didactics are combined with practice of psychomotor skills in the school setting and clinical practice in various health care settings. The clinical practice components are designed to allow students to develop a well-rounded knowledge set including psychomotor and problem-solving skills in addition to feelings of competence. Clinical experiences allow students to learn technical skills, build on critical thinking skills, and develop skills in patient teaching. However, student nurses have limitations in what they are allowed to do in the clinical setting. A new nurse is expected to function competently and independently in these areas within a short time after graduation, and they must be ready to step in be able to handle varied challenges. To build competence and confidence in each of these skill areas requires the transfer of skills developed in simulation laboratories, to clinical practice (Wagner, Bear, & Sander, 2009).

Simulators have been used in training for many years and in many disciplines, varying from low-fidelity static models to high-fidelity simulators that highly mimic ...

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...With this training, students may not only become more confident, but may also be safer and more efficient practitioners (Leigh, 2008).

Works Cited

Kuznar, K. A. (2009). Effects of high-fidelity human patient simulation experience on self-efficacy, motivation and learning of first semester associate degree nursing students. Unpublished manuscript, Department of Nursing, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, United States. Retrieved from http://conservancy.umn.edu/bitstream/54580/1/Kuznar_umn_0130E_10430.pdf

Leigh, G. T. (2008). High-fidelity patient simulation and nursing students's self-efficacy: a review of the literature. International Journal of Nursing Education Scholarship, 5(1), 1-13.

Wagner, D., Bear, M., & Sander, J. (2009). Turning simulation into reality: increasing student competence and confidence. Journal of Nursing Education, 48(8), 465-467.