Abstract
Simulation-based education (SBE) has become an integral component of nursing education, particularly in Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs, where it is increasingly used to bridge the gap between classroom learning and clinical practice. This scoping review examines the implementation of simulation in NP programs, with a focus on its alignment with International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) standards and the principles of competency-based education (CBE). The review aims to explore the current evidence, identify best practices, and highlight gaps in research regarding the integration of simulation to enhance NP competencies.
A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus, to identify studies published from 2015 to 2024. Eligible studies included those focused on simulation use in NP programs, adherence to INACSL standards, and frameworks supporting CBE. Data were extracted and mapped to key domains, including simulation design, implementation strategies, competency outcomes, and adherence to INACSL’s core standards (e.g., simulation design, debriefing, and evaluation).
Preliminary findings reveal diverse approaches to simulation design and delivery, with varying degrees of fidelity and adherence to INACSL standards. Programs utilizing simulation aligned with CBE principles reported improvements in NP student competencies, particularly in clinical reasoning, diagnostic accuracy, and procedural skills. However, significant gaps were identified in standardization of practices, integration of simulation into curricula, and faculty development for CBE-aligned simulation.
This scoping review underscores the importance of aligning SBE in NP programs with INACSL standards and CBE principles to ensure consistent, high-quality training that meets the evolving demands of advanced practice nursing. Findings highlight the need for further research to establish best practices, develop standardized metrics for competency assessment, and support faculty in designing effective simulation-based curricula. These insights provide actionable recommendations for educators and policymakers seeking to enhance NP education and ultimately improve patient care outcomes.
Notes
Reference list included in attached slide deck.
Sigma Membership
Eta Sigma
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Other
Keywords:
Competence, Instrument and Tool Development, Faculty Development, Nursing Education, Advances in Education, Simulation, Nurse Practitioner Students, Competency-based Education
Recommended Citation
Kavanaugh, Alanna Elizabeth; Bork, Stephanie; and Nye, Carla, "Bridging the Gap: A Scoping Review of Simulation Use in NP Programs with INACSL Standards and CBE" (2025). Biennial Convention (CONV). 208.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/convention/2025/presentations_2025/208
Conference Name
48th Biennial Convention
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Conference Year
2025
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2025-12-08
Bridging the Gap: A Scoping Review of Simulation Use in NP Programs with INACSL Standards and CBE
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Simulation-based education (SBE) has become an integral component of nursing education, particularly in Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs, where it is increasingly used to bridge the gap between classroom learning and clinical practice. This scoping review examines the implementation of simulation in NP programs, with a focus on its alignment with International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL) standards and the principles of competency-based education (CBE). The review aims to explore the current evidence, identify best practices, and highlight gaps in research regarding the integration of simulation to enhance NP competencies.
A systematic search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus, to identify studies published from 2015 to 2024. Eligible studies included those focused on simulation use in NP programs, adherence to INACSL standards, and frameworks supporting CBE. Data were extracted and mapped to key domains, including simulation design, implementation strategies, competency outcomes, and adherence to INACSL’s core standards (e.g., simulation design, debriefing, and evaluation).
Preliminary findings reveal diverse approaches to simulation design and delivery, with varying degrees of fidelity and adherence to INACSL standards. Programs utilizing simulation aligned with CBE principles reported improvements in NP student competencies, particularly in clinical reasoning, diagnostic accuracy, and procedural skills. However, significant gaps were identified in standardization of practices, integration of simulation into curricula, and faculty development for CBE-aligned simulation.
This scoping review underscores the importance of aligning SBE in NP programs with INACSL standards and CBE principles to ensure consistent, high-quality training that meets the evolving demands of advanced practice nursing. Findings highlight the need for further research to establish best practices, develop standardized metrics for competency assessment, and support faculty in designing effective simulation-based curricula. These insights provide actionable recommendations for educators and policymakers seeking to enhance NP education and ultimately improve patient care outcomes.
Description
This session explores the integration of simulation in Nurse Practitioner programs, emphasizing alignment with INACSL standards and competency-based education. Participants will gain insights into best practices, research gaps, and actionable strategies to enhance simulation-based learning and improve NP student competencies.