Advancing perioperative nursing education and surgical skills acquisition: A comprehensive approach

Postgraduate nursing education serves as a crucial connection between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice, playing an important role in enhancing the competencies of nurses in specialised fields, such as perioperative nursing. The delivery of higher education has undergone a transformation, focussing on online and blended learning, making higher education more accessible and more flexible to adult learners than traditional face-to-face education programs. However, acquiring hands-on surgical skills poses a potential challenge for online education.

The expanding need for surgical service delivery from Perioperative Nurse Surgical Assistants (PNSAs) is increasing the demand for novice practitioners to acquire surgical skills. Simulation-based learning is an effective way to enhance skills in learners, and cost-effective solutions using innovative methodologies, that are explored in this discussion, pave the way for immersive learning experiences that enhance proficiency in surgical skills and ensure patient safety.