Abstract
Research shows that students exhibit increased autonomy and self-confidence when delivering patient care after practicing first with high-fidelity human patient simulators (HPS). Practicing clinical skills on a high-fidelity HPS allows students to learn in a highly adaptable, safe educational environment that fosters autonomy, independence, and the development of sound analytical skills. The author discusses the use of patient simulators in nursing education, a definition of a high-fidelity HPS, and their value to clinical practice and education. A cost-effective example of how to acquire a high-fidelity HPS without going over budget is provided.
Simulation has been a part of nursing education since the 1950s. During the late 1950s, nursing students refined their physical assessment skills on Mrs. Chase, a life-sized prototype mannequin that was modeled after a human being. 1 Throughout the next decade, practice was enhanced using the Harvey model, which was equipped with heart and lung sounds. 2 The Harvey model enabled students to differentiate between normal and abnormal heart and lung sounds, and supplemented training in cardiac units. The first fully computerized simulation mannequin, Sim-One, was developed in 1969, and used primarily in schools of anesthesia to practice endotracheal intubation. 3
Since then, these mannequins have improved over time. 4 Once a torso apparatus with separate computerized software, patient simulators have evolved into high-fidelity human patient simulators (HPS). These HPS have software that is retained within the mannequin, and can be accessed via laptop or desktop computer. The construction of these mannequins enables educators to design practice laboratories that are realistic to a variety of healthcare settings. To date, high-fidelity HPS, such as Laerdal(TM) Sim-Man,(TM) are the most advanced method of simulation education. 5 When used in healthcare laboratories, high-fidelity HPS provide students with a realistic recreation of a patient and safe environment for learning.