Playing Sick and Injured: The Experiences of Undergraduate Nurses as Casualty Actors in a Mass Casualty Simulation Exercise

Abstract

BackgroundWe sought to explore undergraduate nurses experience as they participated in the role of a casualty actor in a mass casualty simulation exercise. MethodA casualty actor participation framework, developed by the authors, was used to prepare undergraduate nurses for their casualty actor role. A hard copy survey was disseminated to undergraduate nurses (n=140) following their experience of playing the role of a casualty actor in a mass casualty simulation activity. ResultsOne hundred and thirty eight participants completed the survey. Ninety four percent (n=130) reported learning something from participating in the role of a casualty, and 85.5% reported that the experience changed the way they would approach future clinical practice. Free text data highlighted participants perceived development of non-technical skills, particularly reassurance, communication, teamwork, situational awareness and leadership. All participants would recommend the activity to others. ConclusionFindings suggest that participating as a casualty actor in a mass casualty simulation enhanced students perceptions of their learning. The casualty actor framework provided some preparation and support and debrief to the casualty actors. Future studies may seek to explore how the perceived learning of the undergraduate nurses in the role of casualty, translates into clinical practice.