Interdisciplinary Simulation in Clinical Training: Learning and Satisfaction of Nursing and Medical Students

PURPOSE The increasing difficulty of securing high-quality clinical placements for health sciences students has created an urgent need for pedagogical models that effectively integrate theoretical knowledge with experiential learning. High-fidelity simulation has emerged as a promising strategy to enhance clinical preparedness and foster interprofessional collaboration. This study aimed to evaluate undergraduate nursing and medical students’ satisfaction with an interdisciplinary high-fidelity simulation activity designed to strengthen clinical reasoning, communication, and collaborative skills. METHODS A descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted with second-year nursing students and fourth-year medical students during the 2023–2024 academic year. Participants engaged in a structured simulation entitled Basic Patient Assessment , which included a pre-briefing, a high-fidelity scenario with a trained actor, and a guided debriefing session. Satisfaction was assessed using a validated Likert-scale questionnaire (1–10 and 1–5 formats) covering four domains: introduction, learning activities, supervision, and learning environment, along with two open-ended questions. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, and qualitative responses were examined through inductive content analysis. RESULTS A total of 60 students participated. Overall satisfaction was high, with 100% of respondents recommending the activity. Mean scores indicated strong perceived value across all domains, particularly regarding the learning environment and supervisory feedback. Qualitative analysis revealed three major themes: usefulness for real clinical situations, enhanced interprofessional collaboration, and strong appreciation of the realism and methodology. Students also identified areas for improvement, including extending session duration and providing more detailed pre-session information. CONCLUSIONS Interdisciplinary high-fidelity simulation is a highly valued and pedagogically robust approach for strengthening clinical, communicative, and collaborative competencies among undergraduate health sciences students. Although not a substitute for real clinical placements, simulation offers a safe, realistic, and structured environment that supports professional development and prepares students for interprofessional practice. These findings underscore the importance of systematically integrating such methodologies into clinical education curricula.