Experiences of using simulation in dementia education
Intended for healthcare professionals
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Experiences of using simulation in dementia education

Vicki Leah Consultant nurse (older people), University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, England
Julie Combes Associate director of clinical education, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, England
Madeline McMillan Clinical nurse specialist, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, England
Lydia Russell Clinical nurse specialist, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, England
Kirsty McCune Clinical nurse specialist, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, England

This article describes the development of a simulation training day for multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) working on acute adult wards with the aim of improving their confidence in supporting people with dementia who are distressed.

Recommendations are made for those who may be interested in delivering simulation training in their area of practice. Registered nurses, non-registered support workers and occupational therapists experienced in dementia care took part in a one-day simulation training pilot session that included three ‘skill stations’ with three patient simulation scenarios.

A session at the end of the day was used to generate qualitative feedback and develop a strategy to advance this style of teaching. Feedback highlighted the need for further development of the skill stations and scenarios.

The pilot showed that simulation training works well from an MDT perspective, but the content requires careful consideration in terms of stretching participants’ abilities without causing high levels of anxiety.

Nursing Older People. 29, 8, 27-34. doi: 10.7748/nop.2017.e901

Correspondence

Vicki.Leah@uclh.nhs.uk

Conflict of interest

None declared

Peer review

This article has been subject to external double-blind peer review and checked for plagiarism using automated software

For author guidelines, go to rcni.com/writeforus

Received: 01 December 2016

Accepted: 21 August 2017

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