The creative use of masks to promote quality teaching and learning of safe medication practices for nurses

Background: The educational preparation of nursing students to become safe and effective clinicians is both challenging and costly (Levett-Jones, 2008). The teaching of critical content such as quality use of medicines (QUM) can be particularly difficult in the ‘artificial’ on-campus university environment (Bellchambers & McMillan, 2007). Research into medication safety highlights the need for more engaging, interactive and authentic learning experiences (Reid-Searl et al, 2008). To undertake this in current economic constraints call for creative and innovative strategies. Outline of the work: This paper showcases an innovative simulation project; the result of a collaboration between two universities, that enhances nursing students’ learning about medication safety in a cost effective way. The project employs the creative use of commercially prepared latex masks and other ‘props’ to bring unpredictable characters (such as ‘Cyril Smith’, ‘Dudley Dawes’) to life in the clinical laboratory setting. The ‘characters' (academics with rich story telling ability) model ‘typical’ patient responses and behaviours. Together with other academics, role plays that focus on medication assessment, administration and monitoring of (non)therapeutic outcomes, are conducted. The simulations can be conducted in real time within the classroom or alternatively captured on DVD or CD-ROM for revision or reviewing at remote locations. Costly manikins and standardised patients (actors) certainly have their place in nursing education; however simulation strategies such as those described in this project are a feasible and sustainable alternative.