Development of a contextual computer-based nursing simulation

Abstract

This paper will present a brief review of the use of simulations in clinical reasoning research and education, followed by a case-study describing the development of a research tool which attempted to elicit the decision-making strategies of novice and competent hospital nurses. The central feature of this simulation was the degree of flexibility and control it gave to the nurse participants over their information seeking strategies. The ability of this interactive multimedia simulation to mimic a real ward environment has a great potential in the teaching of clinical reasoning skills to health professionals.