Edinburgh Napier: reducing demand on placement capacity through simulation

Edinburgh Napier University has worked with placement partners to deliver the maximum amount of simulation hours offered by the Nursing and Midwifery Council through the innovative use of simulation technology. This has reduced the demand on placement capacity – a key challenge - by 20-30%. A dedicated clinical skills team, some of whom are clinicians as well as university tutors, design, deliver and support students to develop their knowledge and skills in a safe and realistic learning environment. Senior students support the learning activities in the simulation and skills centre preparing them for their role as practice supervisors and assessors when they graduate. To maximise students’ time in the simulation activities, pre-briefs are provided through the virtual learning environment allowing learners more time for development of practical knowledge on campus. Feedback from practice suggest that students have a deeper underpinning knowledge of nursing practice when learning in practice.

Additionally, the collaborative learning model has been translated to clinical practice with a pilot project of a coaching approach applied to selected practice areas across all fields of nursing practice including midwifery. This model empowers students to identify their own learning needs and, with the support of a registered health professional, work collaboratively to achieve a successful placement outcome. The pilot project to date has increased placement capacity in those areas and students are reporting it has had a positive impact on their student learning. They have felt well supported in practice and that their confidence has grown because of the coaching. Clinicians involved are reporting that the students are organised and proactive in their learning and the impact on team dynamics has resulted in a greater understanding of the student’s role in practice.

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