Effectiveness of Mental Health Simulation in Replacing Traditional Clinical Hours in Baccalaureate Nursing Education.

The purpose of the current study was to (a) determine whether baccalaureate nursing students receiving mental health simulation as a replacement for 25% of traditional clinical hours have equivalent or greater mental health knowledge and self-confidence compared to those who did not receive this simulation; and (b) explore students' perceptions of their mental health simulation compared to traditional clinical hours. An evidence-based practice pilot study was conducted using a mixed-methods design. Quantitative data demonstrated that students who received mental health simulation as a replacement for 25% of traditional clinical hours have equivalent mental health knowledge and self-confidence as those who did not receive the simulation. Qualitative data indicated students found the simulation helpful in learning how to manage patient behaviors. The current study provides substantial evidence that simulation can be used as a replacement for 25% of traditional clinical hours in mental health nursing. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 55(11), 36-43.]. Copyright 2017, SLACK Incorporated.