Facilitators, barriers, and future direction of high-fidelity simulation in nursing education: a qualitative descriptive study.

backgroundAs simulation-based education has emerged as a crucial alternative for developing integrated practical skills in a safe environment, several foundations have been established in recent years. Now that simulation education has become more established, researchers have identified the need to explore the barriers, facilitators, and future directions of high-fidelity simulation education. The purpose of this study was to enhance our understanding of the barriers and strategies in utilizing high-fidelity simulation in nursing education, specifically regarding its facilitators, barriers, and future directions from the perspective of a nursing educator.

methodsA qualitative descriptive study was utilized using semi-structured interviews. The participants included 10 nursing faculty members from various institutions. Data were collected from October 23 to November 1, 2024, and analyzed using Elo and Kyngäs’s inductive content analysis method.

resultsTwenty-six themes and 9 theme clusters were identified based on 96 meaningful statements related to the facilitators, barriers, and future direction of high-fidelity simulation education. The theme clusters were “realistic and secure educational setting,” “learner satisfaction,” “certain constraints,” “discrepancy with clinical practice,” “lack of staff expertise,” “absence of a supportive system,” “improved reflection of clinical reality,” “collaboration and sharing,” and “sustained institutional support.”

conclusionsThe findings underscore the importance of developing scenarios that reflect current clinical environments to enhance student engagement in simulation education. However, challenges such as high costs, technical limitations, and resource constraints still exist. Overcoming these barriers requires additional institutional support, collaboration, and information sharing among stakeholders. Specific strategies for promoting high-fidelity simulation in nursing should be explored further.