The goal of this simulation is to assist nursing students recognise and respond to signs of patient anxiety in a clinical setting. Participants will practice effective verbal and non-verbal communication techniques to de-escalate patient distress, provide clear explanations about care and demonstrate empathy. The scenario aims to integrate knowledge, empathy, and communication skills.

Empathy Mapping exercise. Create an empathy map for an anxious post-surgery patient. Use categories like "What they say," "What they think," "What they feel," and "What they do." Participants brainstorm ideas for each category to build a holistic view of the patient's mindset and behaviours.

If time is short: As an exercise enhancing understanding of patient behaviour, ask the participants to reflect on a time when they felt nervous and what helped ease their anxiety?

Teach relaxation techniques that the simulation participants can model for anxious patients.

Scenario Overview

Characters

Patient: A post-surgical patient who is recovering in a hospital ward. The patient is experiencing escalating anxiety due to unfamiliar medical equipment, lack of understanding about their condition and fear of complications.

Nurse: A nurse who notices signs of anxiety and steps in to assess and reassure the patient.

Setting

A hospital post-surgery recovery room with a patient connected to post-surgical medical equipment.

Roles Key Behaviours

Nurse:

Behaviours:

Recognise early signs of anxiety and respond promptly, moving to sit at the patient’s eye level to create a sense of connection and safety. Initiate a calming conversation by acknowledging the patient’s concerns. Explain the purpose of medical equipment and the patient’s condition in clear, simple terms. Reassure the patient with a steady and empathetic tone. Teach and guide the patient through a simple breathing technique. Tone: Calm, soothing, and steady to promote relaxation.

Attitude:

Patient-centred and compassionate, prioritizing the patient’s emotional well-being.

Patient (Post-Surgical Patient with Anxiety):

Behaviours:

Exhibit physical signs of anxiety, such as fidgeting, shallow breathing, or gripping the bed sheets. Speak rapidly, asking repetitive questions like. Display a sense of fear about the medical equipment. Gradually calm down as the nurse provides reassurance, clear explanations, and guides relaxation techniques.

Tone:

Initially tense, rapid, reflecting escalating anxiety. Gradually softens and slows down as reassurance is received.

Attitude:

Fearful and overwhelmed, seeking comfort and clarity. Becomes more cooperative and trusting when empathy and clear communication are demonstrated.

Simulation Flow

Setup

A bed with patient “connected” to simulation machines. Props: call bell, patient medical chart, chair.

Introduction

Brief each participant on their role privately. Stress to the nurses the importance of identifying and addressing the patient’s anxiety.

Execution

The simulation begins with the patient in a state of mild anxiety, fidgeting and muttering to himself, etc. The nurse observes from the corridor.

Recognising signs of distress, the nurse enters the room and begins assessing the situation.

The nurse engages with the patient, using verbal and non-verbal communication techniques to de-escalate anxiety.

The patient should exhibit escalating anxiety if the nurse fails to intervene effectively, and calming behaviour if the nurse employs appropriate strategies.

Resolution

The nurse concludes the interaction by making sure the patient feels reassured and knows they can call for assistance if needed.

By the end of the simulation, the participants should be able to:

1. Recognise common patient behaviours in stressful situations in a hospital ward setting.
2. Identify signs of escalating patient anxiety through observation of verbal and non-verbal cues and undertake early intervention.
3. Understand how own verbal and non-verbal communication can shape patient behaviour.
4. Apply appropriate communication techniques tailored to diverse patient behaviours - calm reassurance for anxious patients.
5. Create a supportive environment for patients.

1. Self-reflection – the participants express their immediate emotional reactions to the simulation.
2. Analysis - explore together what happened during the simulation and why.
3. Highlight strengths and areas for improvement.
4. Summarise main takeaways from the session.