Undergraduate student nurses’ experience of using standardized patient simulation in mental health course: A qualitative study

Abstract

Objectives

The aim of this research was to explore the perceptions of Lebanese student nurses on use of standardized patient simulations in the undergraduate mental health course.

Design

A qualitative descriptive research design informed by descriptive phenomenology was employed.

Method

Semi-structed interviews were carried out among 19 student nurses at one major private university in Beirut. Inductive thematic analysis was conducted over the period of 2 months.

Results

The inductive thematic analysis generated five themes, namely, “Practicing therapeutic communication and mental state examination”, “Readiness for clinical placement”, “Realistic and safe environment to practice”, “Obtaining real-time feedback”, and “Enhancing confidence and reducing anxiety”.

Conclusion

The findings of this study emphasizes the significance of incorporating standardized patient simulations in mental health courses to enhance student learning outcomes. Standardized patient simulations can provide nursing students with a supportive learning environment that reduces their challenges in transitioning to practice by equipping them with both needed technical and soft skills.