Standardized Patient Simulation in Mental Health Nursing Education: A Scoping Review
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Full list of poster authors
- Michelle Pinto, MSN, RN, CNEn
- Mary McCurry, PhD, RNBC, ANP, ACNP
- Jennifer Viveiros, PhD, RN, CNE, CHSE
Conference where poster was previously displayed
ENRS, Philadelphia, PA, 2025
Poster abstract
Objective
To explore the use of standardized patient simulation in mental health nursing education.
Method
A scoping review of published research between 2016 and 2024 as per JBI Scoping Review Framework and PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Systematic search of the electronic databases CINAHL, Medline, and PsycINFO and hand search of bibliographies. Study selection followed a three stage review process. Studies were included if standardized patient simulation was used in the mental health nursing course in a traditional undergraduate nursing program. At the conclusion of stage three, 29 studies were selected for data extraction and charted to facilitate identification of themes in the research.
Results
The scope of available research between 2016 and 2024 supports standardized patient simulation positively impacted student preparedness for clinical by increasing confidence and decreasing student anxiety. Students valued realism, a safe environment for practicing skills, and more varied experiences than clinical. Two studies measured the effect of standardized patient simulation on student attitudes towards patients with mental illness.
Conclusions
The use of standardized patient simulation in mental health nursing education has been studied at universities internationally across study designs to improve knowledge, skills, confidence, and preparedness for clinical. The addition of standardized patient simulation to mental health nursing clinical courses may reduce negative attitudes towards patients with mental health conditions. Future research on the impact of standardized patient simulation on empathy and attitudes of student nurses toward patients with mental illness is needed.