Human simulators in nursing education.

The purpose of this paper is to discuss and explore the historical perspectives, capacities, and usage of human patient simulators (HPS) in clinical simulations and propose future uses for HPS in nursing education. The use of HPS at all levels of nursing education appears promising because research suggests that the use of HPS facilitates the development of students' physical assessment and critical thinking skills in a user-friendly environment (Spunt, Foster, & Adams, 2004). By combining HPS scenarios with lectures and actual clinical experiences, students become actively engaged and confident in their competency of the nursing process in multiple clinical arenas. The use of this technology addresses patient safety because the student is able to refine skills and develop competency in a simulated environment.