Qualitative Research Review of the Use of Patient Simulators in Nursing Education

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Problem and Purpose
Powell-Laney clearly identified the purpose of the study along with identifying the reason for the study. According to Powell-Laney (2010) there is a lack of evidence to support the use of simulation technology to teach clinical decision-making in nursing students thus Powell-Laney designed a study to ascertain whether the use of simulation technology in nursing education can increase the clinical decision making ability of nursing students (p. 6). Furthermore, Powell-Laney (2010) states that simulation technology is expensive and labor intensive thus adding to the need for current research to be done on the effectiveness of simulation technology in nursing education.
Review of the Literature
Simulation technology is a widely used educational resource in nursing education. It allows students to gain knowledge and experience in critical scenarios without having the risk that is involved with live patients. Powell-Laney (2010) reviewed several studies that attempted to prove the effectiveness of simulation experience but found that most of the studies were qualitative in nature and focused on the students’ perceptions of their simulation experience and did not focus on outcomes that the patient scenario may have. The literature that Powell-Laney reviewed was current at the time she wrote the article adding to the validity and reliability of her study. She also reviewed numerous articles and research related to her study checking for previously done research in this area and gaps that may be present. Powell-Laney (2010) found mixed results in previous studies indicating a need for more research allowing her to design a study that is both relevant and warranted. The research report was presented in a logical mann...

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...tates that further research should be replicated with nursing students of differing educational levels and other healthcare providers. She also adds additional research should be done that evaluates patient outcomes by following nursing students through their careers to evaluate if simulation technology aided in their patient outcome of critical situations (Powell-Laney, 2010).

References
LoBiondo-Wood, G., & Haber, J. (2014). Nursing research: methods and critical appraisal for evidence-based practice (8th ed.). St, Louis: Elsevier.
Powell-Laney, S. K. (2010). The use of human patient simulators to enhance the clinical decision making of nursing students (Doctoral dissertation, Walden University).
Ryan, F., Coughlan, M., & Cronin, P. (2007). Step-by-step guide to critiquing research. Part 2: qualitative research. British Journal of Nursing, 16(12), 738-745.

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