Journal of Nursing and Health Studies

Nursing and medical staff′s experiences of simulation education

27^th Edition of World Congress on Nursing Education & Research
April 23-25, 2018 Rome, Italy

Mari H Salminen Tuomaala

Seinajoki University of Applied Sciences, Finland

ScientificTracks Abstracts: J Nurs Health Stud

DOI: 10.21767/2574-2825-C1-002

Abstract

Statement of the Problem: Today′s professionals are faced with increasingly complex health needs of the population. A combination of interdisciplinary knowledge and skills is required to ensure that the care is patient-centered, holistic and of the highest possible quality. However, multiprofessional simulation education has not been used enough as a part of continuing education.
Objective: The purpose of the research was to describe nursing and medical staff′s experiences of the usefulness of simulation education in one hospital district in Finland. The research aimed at producing user-oriented knowledge to be used in the development of multiprofessional simulation pedagogical continuing education. The study is part of a larger research project, whose purpose is to build up a multiprofessional simulated learning environment for a network of partners. They involve a university of applied sciences, a vocational education center, a health technology development center and a hospital district.
Methodology: Data were collected using a web-based survey tool. The questionnaire contained both quantitative and qualitative items. Quantitative data was analyzed using SPSS Statistics for Windows 23 and qualitative data was analyzed using inductive content analysis.
Findings: Both nursing and medical staff experience that simulation education is useful for the development of their theoretical and practical competence. They need simulation based education that aims at better management of clinical care situations. Simulation education enables to develop communication skills. Simulation education has also an important role in promoting teamwork skills. Teamwork is one of the essential skills that should be practiced to promote collaboration and reduce errors. Successful multiprofessional teamwork has the benefits of combining skills and knowledge, crossing boundaries and creating effective networks to develop a more client-centered approach. Learning together can improve participants' technical and non-technical skills.
Conclusion & Significance: The knowledge produced in this research can be used in planning multiprofessional simulation pedagogical continuing education

Biography

Mari H Salminen Tuomaala, PhD in Health Sciences is a Senior Lecturer in Seinäjoki University of Applied Sciences, School of Health Care and Social Work. She is a Project Manager in simulation based education research and development project. She has worked over 20 years as Registered Nurse at medical departments, cardiac care unit and emergency department before teaching career. Her main research and expertise areas concern acute care (intensive care, out-of-hospital emergency care, care and counseling at the emergency department), simulation based education, psychosocial coping of myocardial infarction patients and their spouses, families as clients in health care and families in challenging life situations. She has about 40 conference presentations and over 50 scientific publications.

Email:mari.salminen-tuomaala@seamk.fi