Professional Experience Placement

This paper outlines the development of a standardised protocol for conducting clinical simulation when using mobile technology in healthcare environments. The introduction of mobile learning a a legitimate nursing function needs to be trialled in a safe environment before implementation can safely occur. Intended, unintended consequences and workaround can be identified to ensure safety remains paramount within healthcare settings. The purpose for the development of the protocol was due to provide a structured approach to designing a clinical assessment using mobile technology.  The focus of standardising the procedure means the focus can be on the mobile technology or mobile learning interactions that have the potential to ‘disrupt’ normal patterns of care in any healthcare setting. Additionally, it is the healthcare environment that changes rather than the types of interactions using this new technology.

Planning the simulation is important to ensure it is not too complex, has the appropriate level of fidelity and stakeholders are included in the development.  Once planned and before the simulation takes place there are a number of steps that need to be undertaken to ensure the simulation runs to plan.  These include setting the scene – brief the team regarding:

• Simulation scenario
• Clinicians performing realistic tasks within the appropriately set up room
• Observers observe various aspects from the observation deck
• Instructor communicating with facilitator & ‘patients’.

Ensure appropriate  evaluation design is incorporated which may include:

• Questionnaires
• Interview
• Video
• Data analysis
•  Instant data analysis

Triangulation of the information will inform the findings and uncover any potential or issues that arise from implementation of this technology into a range of healthcare environments.

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