Enhancing critical thinking skills and patient care outcome through simulated mental health nursing training among baccalaureate nursing students

INTRODUCTION: The link between theoretical knowledge and practical application in nursing education requires innovative methods to teach crucial skills to future nurses. This review outlines a framework emphasizing simulated training in mental health nursing and aims to consolidate findings on the significance of this training for nursing students globally.
METHODS: This review utilized five major databases: Scopus, ProQuest Medical Library Database, CINAHL Database via EBSCO Host, PubMed, and Web of Science. Papers related to simulated mental health nursing training for baccalaureate nursing students were searched using specific keywords such as simulated mental health nursing, learning mental illness through simulation, mental health nursing through simulation, and simulation in psychiatric nursing. From the results, papers containing one or more of these keywords within titles, abstracts, or keyword sections were identified.
RESULTS: Research indicates that simulated mental health nursing training decreases students' anxiety and enhances their confidence, ultimately resulting in improved patient care. The study emphasizes how simulated mental health nursing training can improve nursing outcomes and patient care by aligning with learners' cognitive abilities and evaluation methods.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Simulating mental health nursing enhances the knowledge and skills of nursing students, supporting the development of crucial competencies by linking theory to practice. These simulations serve as an effective educational strategy to address challenges in learning mental health nursing. Simulated mental health nursing training strengthens nursing students’ confidence, reduces anxiety, improves their knowledge and skills, and contributes to better patient care outcomes.

Keywords: Clinical knowledge, critical thinking, mental health nursing, simulation, undergraduate nursing students