The Evaluation of High-Fidelity Simulation in Nursing: Selected Issues in Conceptualization and Measurement

Thesis (M.Nurs.), College of Nursing, Washington State UniversityHigh-fidelity simulation is being used more commonly in nursing education practice laboratories and the increased use is applauded by most faculties. Simulation is a method of evaluating learning objectives that engages the cognitive, affective, and psychomotor domains of learning. Simulation requires big investments on the part of a college or hospital, not just in up front money, but in faculty/staff time and laboratory space. Therefore, central to simulation in nursing is the evaluation of simulation and its addition to the college's or hospital's curriculum. To date there has not been a systematic study exploring the relationship between the use of high-fidelity simulation and a student's clinical judgment skills and to this point there has not been an effective tool to assess clinical judgment in a simulation setting. This paper will consolidate and present the current findings along with identifying strengths and weaknesses of the simulation experience in order to identify any gaps in research so areas for future studies can be identified