Simulation Design: Engaging Large Groups of Nurse Practitioner Students.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Little has been written about using human patient simulation to teach primary care management to large groups of nurse practitioner (NP) students. This article describes an innovative design for simulated clinical experiences based on a game show format. METHOD: This large-group design was conceived as a way to overcome several challenges, particularly limited faculty resources, to integrating simulation into NP education. Progressive variations evolved from this foundation, including the use of observer-participant groups; initial and follow-up visits on the same simulated patient; and mentor-mentee collaborations. RESULTS: Student comments, while consistently positive about the simulated clinical experiences, have been used to guide revisions to strengthen the simulation program. CONCLUSION: The innovative large-group design enabled faculty to use simulation to enhance students' skills in primary care management. Faculties with similar challenges might find these strategies useful to replicate or adapt.