Nurses’ experiences of simulation-based learning, 12–18 months after the simulation: A qualitative study

Abstract

Simulation-based learning is a learning method used in educational programmes for health professionals. Little is known about nurses’ experiences after a long period of time has elapsed since the simulation. The aim of this study was to describe nurses’ experiences of simulation scenarios and their perceptions of learning 12–18 months after the simulation. An explorative qualitative approach, including three focus-group interviews, was used. A total of 21 nurses participated. Data were collected in September 2017 and April 2018. The COREQ checklist was used to report the study. Three themes emerged: Simulation as a rewarding learning method, Pedagogical factors that affect the simulation and Perception of different roles in the simulation. The findings indicate that 12–18 months after the simulation took place, the nurses could still recall their experiences from simulation-based learning and the cases used. This indicates that simulation is an important method for strengthening clinical competence.