A cross-national study to objectively evaluate the quality of diverse simulation approaches for undergraduate nursing students

© 2017 Elsevier Ltd The aim of this paper is to report the results of a cross-national study that evaluated a range of simulation sessions using an observation schedule developed from evidence-based quality indicators. Observational data were collected from 17 simulation sessions conducted for undergraduate nursing students at three universities in Australia and the United Kingdom. The observation schedule contained 27 questions that rated simulation quality. Data were collected by direct observation and from video recordings of the simulation sessions. Results indicated that the highest quality scores were for provision of learning objectives prior to the simulation session (90%) and debriefing (72%). Student preparatiosn and orientation (67%) and perceived realism and fidelity (67%) were scored lower than other components of the simulation sessions. This observational study proved to be an effective strategy to identify areas of strength and those needing further development to improve simulation sessions

Memory and communication training in dementia to improve the transition from home to residential care

The transition from home to a residential aged care facility (RACF) is a potentially traumatic process that has a negative impact on the health and well-being both of people with dementia and their caregivers. Difficulties in both memory and communication abilities in people with dementia contribute to the stress and anxiety associated with this transition. This project aims to develop and investigate the efficacy of a structured cognitive-communicative intervention program that facilitates transition to an RACF