Gersten Jonker

92   Chapter 4 APPENDIX 3. COMPOSITE TEXTURAL DESCRIPTION Coming to the simulation center Before the simulation pretest, students felt low-level tension, as for any assessment, but all students slept well. Many students felt a bit apprehensive because they did not know exactly what to expect or how they would react to the unfamiliar circumstances. Whereas a single student dreaded the test, anticipating failure, most travelled to the simulation center in good spirits. Students did not prepare extensively for the test, but some students discussed possible scenarios or the ABCDE (airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure) approach with peers. Students universally appreciated the cordial welcome to the center. The friendly, relaxed atmosphere was comforting and students emphasized the professional nonjudgmental first impression staff made: It was really helpful that the staff acted very casual . . . and often made a joke. For me that reduced the tension. (Participant [P] 2) The simulator facility tour relieved tension further, although some students found too much detailed information was given. Authenticity The simulation room was collectively perceived as an authentic hospital facility, for example, an emergency care room. Students experienced it as a“pleasant”and“spacious” room. The presence of relevant working equipment was particularly perceived as real. Items consistently mentioned were the vital signs on the monitor changing in accordance with the clinical situation, the defibrillator, piped oxygen system, drug vials, and a telephone with access to the simulated hospital switchboard. Participants noted that wearing a doctor’s coat and the presence of a nurse added to the sense of realness. According to a few participants, the direct availability of equipment trolleys and a crash cart did not correspond to a realistic ward setting. All students mentioned the manikin in relation to the authenticity of the simulation. The manikin was perceived as almost a real person. The manikin’s ability to speak, its palpable pulsations and breath sounds, and the ability to monitor its vital sounds made it almost seem“alive.”