Experiences and perceptions of primary health care students utilizing simulation laboratories

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Simulation refers to a teaching method that is used to teach students clinical skills. Theuse of mannequins is the most common type of simulation. Given the pivotal role thatsimulation plays in teaching students clinical skills, it is important to understand theexperience and perceptions students have utilizing simulation laboratories. The aim of thestudy was to explore the experience and perceptions of primary health care studentsutilizing simulation laboratories.The researcher posed the following research question as a guide for this study: 'What arethe experiences and perceptions of primary health care students utilizing simulationlaboratories? A qualitative approach with a phenomenological research design wasapplied. A purposive sample of n=10 and a focus group of 7 participants was drawn from atotal population of 232 primary health care students. An interview guide was designedbased on the objectives of the study and validated by experts in Nursing, Education andthe Ethics Committee at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University. Expertsin the field of teaching and learning, nursing and research methodology were consulted todetermine the feasibility and content of the study, to evaluate the research process andoutcome. Two (2) trained fieldworkers were responsible for collecting the data. Data wascollected by means of individual interviews and by interviewing a focus group. Thetranscription of the interviews was done by the researcher.The data that emerged from the data analysis was coded and categorised into themes andsubthemes. The five themes that emerged were simulation as a teaching method; amannequin offering effective learning; confidence in clinical practice; structure of thecourse; and a support system. The researcher compiled a written account of theinterpretations that emerged from the data analysis and verified this with the fieldworkers.In addition, member checking was done on two (2) of the participants from the focus groupas well as two (2) of the participants from the individual interviews, to validate thetranscribed data.The Conceptual Theoretical Framework of Bloom supports the findings of this study. Thefindings suggest that the mannequins should be upgraded regularly and should be able toregister a response. It is recommended that a mannequin should be designed which iscomputer programmed according to different conditions which will include the signs andsymptoms of those diseases for example tuberculosis. The participants need to be placedin the clinical environment at a much earlier stage in their programme. Peer groupteaching and assessment should be introduced in the programme. Further research isrecommended since institutions and disciplinaries working with simulation were notincluded in the study.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University