Successful techniques for using human patient simulation in nursing education.

PURPOSE The purpose of this paper was to explore techniques used successfully for human simulation exercises in nursing education. DESIGN AND METHODS An integrated review of current literature was completed using the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) with Full Text and PubMed databases to identify studies that used simulation successfully in nursing curriculum. FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS Human patient simulation can be used successfully as an instructional method in nursing education. While no single process was proven to be superior, there are techniques which have been used effectively. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Nursing educators are challenged with discovering ways to facilitate the education of their students. Human patient simulation can be a valuable tool. More research is needed to fully develop this promising educational avenue.