Clinical simulation:a better way of learning?

摘要

This article describes the practice of clinical simulation, in which real-world experiences are replicated in learning environments. It also describes how education programmes can be adapted to accommodate this practice so that students can participate actively in their education.CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL development, or lifelong learning, is vital if nurses and other healthcare professionals are to fulfil their potential and meet the health needs of their patients (Department of Health (DH) 1998).Over the past two decades, nurse education has undergone a tremendous change as it has moved from occupational-based training to university education (Hallin and Danielson 2008). This has involved the linking of theory with practice, which enables nurses to provide high-quality care.This link is best attained through active learning (Richardson 2008), in which nurses are encouraged to focus on self-directed learning to ensure that they can emerge from their education as reflective clinical practitioners (Lake 2001). But effective learning depends on effective teaching, delivered so that students can participate actively in their education.