Using Clinical Instructor Perceptions to Improve a Pilot Simulation Course

Abstract

Little is known about clinical instructors' perceptions of student decision-making in relation to the block sequencing of simulation and traditional clinical experiences. Focus groups were conducted with 12 clinical instructors. Three common threads emerged from the data: right away, anxious but more confident, and scary and unsafe. Instructors noted that the more patient care experiences encountered, the more students developed efficient clinical decision-making skills. Major safety concerns regarding medication administration were identified, resulting in additional safety parameters instituted in the simulated environment.