Perceptions of Undergraduate Students Portraying Simulated Participants in Mental Health Nursing Simulations

Abstract

Background:

High-fidelity simulations are valuable for teaching mental health concepts in undergraduate nursing programs and are most effective when programs collaborate with stimulated participants (SPs) to maximize realism.

Aim:

Examine the perceptions of student SPs in mental health nursing simulations.

Method:

The pilot study was conducted at a rural mid-sized university in the Midwest with five pre-health students and seven theater majors or minors who served as SPs in undergraduate nursing mental health simulations. Utilizing a qualitative descriptive design, responses were analyzed thematically to identify patterns across participant perspectives.

Results:

Seventy-five percent (n = 9) stated that this experience affected their own mental health. All five pre-health students reported gaining empathy for patients with mental health issues.

Conclusion:

The mental health of student SPs may be affected by learning cases and portraying a mental health patient. Careful attention is needed to maintain the psychological safety of all SPs, and de-roling and debriefing are essential. SPs need to feel supported to opt out of potential triggering experiences and encouraged to reach out for support if they are having difficulty.

Keywords

psychological risk simulated participants (SPs)human simulation de-roling mental health simulation nursing

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