Empowering Critical Thinking Skills With Computerized Patient Simulators

Students struggle with the mastery of critical thinking skills which are essential to their academic success.  University faculty are challenged to create teaching strategies to help students build critical thinking skills.  Nursing faculty at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, Tennessee looked to research and technology for ways to empower critical thinking skills in students.  Faculty found computerized patient simulators were a best practice methodology that empowers mastery of critical thinking skills. This evidence-based integrative teaching format allows the process of analyzing, synthesizing, evaluation, and applying information gathered through observation, experience, communication, and reflection.  This simulated interactive format also allows realistic training from basic skills to advanced life-saving skills.  The Institute of Medicine recommends the use of simulators to create a culture of safety.  Simulation creates a culture of safety for the learner because the realistic training scenario is without risk to patients and healthcare providers.  A simple to complex scenario comes alive with simulation.  The learners in the scenario are videotaped.  Afterward debriefing is done with reflective thinking.  The simulation experience is a fun and highly motivated experience conducted in a nonthreatening environment.  The learner is able to analyze the experience and learn to improve their skills.  Austin Peay State University nursing faculty identified four simulators that can help learners master critical thinking skills.  These simulators are SimMan, SimBaby, Novelle Maternal and Neonatal Birthing Simulator, and Comat Sim.  These simulators can be used in a variety of clinical settings.  Simulators can also be used to teach critical thinking skills in sociology, psychology, and homeland security