Assessing the Feasibility of Using a Multi-Modal Simulation Approach to Prepare Nurse Practitioners in Primary Health Care

Simulation based learning in nursing education provides learners with opportunities to practice real-life experiences. Enhancing the education of nurse practitioners (NPs) with simulation based teaching and learning strategies has not been well investigated. There is limited evidence related to learning outcomes and the use of high fidelity simulation or standardized patients. In an Ontario Primary Health Care Nurse Practitioner (PHCNP) Program, the use of a multi-model simulation learning activity was piloted with a group of NP learners. The learning activity consisted of three scenarios, each representing typical conditions seen in primary health care across the lifespan. Each scenario was carefully developed with consideration of curriculum goals, use of simulation technology or standardized patients, and the role of faculty facilitators. Learners worked in pairs as a team to complete a focused history and physical examination, formulate a diagnosis, and develop a plan of care or action for the patients. Following each of the three scenarios, the learner teams received focused feedback on their performance. A guided group reflection was conducted following the learning activity. The feedback from the learners was positive, with a recommendation to include similar learning opportunities earlier in the NP curriculum. The learners valued the active learning process, including peer collaboration and group debriefing. Although the findings from t his pilot included a small group of learners, there are valuable considerations for nursing faculty teaching in NP programs with a primary health care focus.