Nursing students’ learning dynamics and perception of high-fidelity simulation-based learning

Background:
Nursing students’ high-fidelity simulation-based learning (HF-SBL) dynamics remain poorly understood. This study aimed to construct a substantive theory of nursing students’ HF-SBL dynamics by exploring nursing students’ experiences of HF-SBL and identifying factors that influence HF-SBL.

Method:
Constructivist grounded theory was adopted. Twenty-three semi-structured interviews with memo writing were conducted with 16 undergraduate nursing students. All collected data were managed using NVivo 11.

Findings:
This study constructed a theoretical model of HF-SBL dynamics, consisting of process and four influencing factors of HF-SBL. Moreover, the students’ perception on a lack of psychological fidelity during HF-SBL was identified and highlighted.

Conclusion:
Through understanding of the model, nursing educators can improve their current simulation-based education and make it more relevant and realistic for students.