Practical skills taught in Scandinavian nursing education simulation centres: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Practical nursing skills are complex actions that must be taught in bachelor nursing education. There is a lack of comparative research about what simulation-based skills are taught in Scandinavian countries, and this study aims to fill this gap. In 2019, a cross-sectional survey of nursing educators was conducted, and data were analysed using descriptive and non-parametric tests. The study revealed that eight categories of simulation-based practical skills (respiration, activity, elimination, nutrition, skin care, circulation, hygiene, and medication) were taught in all Scandinavian countries, but there were differences in what skills were prioritised within each category. Moreover, the study revealed that the amount of time spent on teaching simulation-based practical skills varied across countries and faculties, with Norway and Sweden spending more time teaching simulation-based practical skills than Denmark. The authors recommend that nursing education prioritise and standardise the practical skills taught in simulation centres in all Scandinavian countries.