Patient safety elements taught to preregistration nurses using simulation designs : an integrative review

This integrative literature review aimed to examine preregistration nursing simulation-based education aligned to patient safety. Understanding quality standards and simulation best practices used to guide the simulation activities also featured. Eight data bases were searched using a standardized search strategy. A total of 33 studies met the inclusion criteria. Six patient safety standards featured in over 38 simulation scenarios, particularly the management of deteriorating patients. Students’ patient safety knowledge and simulated performances consistently returned significant gains following the interventions. Manikin-based, face to face delivery was the most commonly described simulation modality, followed by virtual simulation and virtual reality programmes. The evidence supports simulation as a beneficial technique for teaching patient safety in nursing education. In future, well planned controlled experimental studies are needed to deliver more evidence. Simulation design best practices aligned to international guidelines could be reported in more depth.