# Simulative learning in the room of horror – a method to enhance patient safety in undergraduate nursing education

## TL;DR

A simulated learning method called the 'room of horror' helps nursing students learn about patient safety by identifying errors in a realistic setting.

## Contribution

The study introduces the room of horror as an effective simulation method for enhancing patient safety awareness in nursing education.

## Key findings

- Students identified 12 out of 13 safety-critical errors during the simulation.
- All participants found the simulation educational and relevant to professional nursing practice.
- The method enhanced risk awareness and situational awareness among students.

## Abstract

High expectations are placed on healthcare systems concerning safety and health restoration. Simultaneously, healthcare involves risks and potential hazards that may lead to adverse events for patients and healthcare professionals alike. To raise awareness of these risks, it is essential to incorporate the topic of patient safety into healthcare education. The room of horror, a form of simulated learning, represents an effective teaching and learning approach for this purpose.

At the end of their first semester, undergraduate nursing students participated in a room of horror exercise designed following the Swiss manual for interactive learning. The task involved identifying 13 errors relevant to patient safety within the room. Subsequently, the students provided written evaluations of this teaching format.

Participants successfully identified twelve out of the thirteen safety-critical errors. All students perceived the simulation as educational and pertinent to professional practice. Heightened risk awareness and relevance to the professional context were particularly highlighted as positive outcomes.

The room of horror provides a practical simulation training environment where students can develop observational skills, critical thinking, and situational awareness regarding patient safety risks early in their clinical education.