Exploring senior nursing students’ perceptions of real patient simulation in diabetic foot ulcer assessment: A qualitative descriptive study

What is it about?

Aim: The purpose of this study is to explore the perceptions and experiences of senior nursing students who participate in a real patient simulation designed for the assessment of diabetic foot ulcers. Background: The integration of real patients into standardised patient simulations has the potential to further improve the authenticity and educational impact of the learning experience. Methods: This study used a qualitative design involving eleven senior nursing students. Individual interviews were analysed using Braun and Clarke’s qualitative thematic analysis method. Results: For all students, this was their first experience with both real patient simulation and standardised patient simulation. Thematic analysis identified four main themes reflecting their experiences: emotions experienced, gains achieved, realism of the simulation, and qualities of the simulation application. Conclusions: The study revealed that this simulation created an authentic learning environment as an alternative to clinical teaching, allowing students to experience professional nursing and facilitating learning through experience. Implications for clinical practice: Real patient simulations may enhance nursing students’ clinical readiness and patient-centered care.

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