As much as it would seem that high-fidelity simulators have found their place in
nursing education there is a void of concrete research in this area. Many of the studies
appear to be little more than an opinion poll without the rigor of a full-fledged qualitative
study. Not all educators are in favor of the simulators and identify the need for much
more research in this area. Schiavenato (2009) reports simulation is limited and
restrictive. The author suggests that merely accepting high-fidelity simulators as the
next wave of nursing education is unwise and calls for further research in the area; in
addition, she calls for theory that will answer the questions regarding why educators
should use this teaching modality. Schiavenato does not necessarily disagree with the
concept and use of the human simulator and acknowledges that we have used simulation
for years in the form of role playing and other clinical lab scenarios, but she calls for
further research in the area to support the use of simulation.
Some advantages to simulated learning are: the ability to experience a crisis
situation before it occurs in the clinical setting; the ability to evaluate and reflect on the
activities in a non-threatening arena; and the predictability of being able to artificially
create situations which may never occur in any other way. Simulations also assist with
the already overcrowded, hard-to-get clinical sites and many state boards of nursing now
allow some simulation experiences as clinical time. According to Jeffries (2009), a few
states now allow up to 25 percent of real clinical time to be accounted for with the use of
simulation. Jeffries predicts that as more evidence is produced and best practices are
developed, the use of the high fidelity simulators as well as much higher tech simulators
will occur. Much of this research will come from students working on master’s degrees,
PhDs, and other advanced degrees currently.
The disadvantages to simulation learning are: the lack of supporting theory and
evidence-based research supporting the use of simulation; and the time-consuming nature
of creating scenarios, setting up the lab, and planning for role plays for already
overwhelmed instructors. Clearly, there is much more research to be done in the area of
simulation, particularly high-fidelity simulation. In order that our simulators do not
become high-priced bed occupants in our nursing labs, the need for further study in this
areas is needed.