Patient deterioration education: Evaluation of face-to-face simulation and e-simulation approaches

<strong>Background:</strong> Simulation-based education is one strategy that may be used to teach nursing students to recognize and manage patient deterioration.<p></p> <p><strong>Method:</strong> Final-year preregistration nursing students (n=97) completed three face-to-face laboratory-based team simulations with a simulated patient (actor) and 330 students individually completed a three-scenario Web-based simulation program: FIRST2ACTWeb™.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> Both groups achieved moderate performance scores (means: face to face, 49%; e-simulation, 69%). Course evaluations were positive, skill gain showing a greater effect size in the face-to-face program than for e-simulation, and higher satisfaction and more positive appraisal.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Face-to-face simulation and e-simulation are effective educational strategies with e-simulation offering greater feasibility. Either strategy is likely to add value to the learning experience.</p>