Can simulated learning environments teach nursing students important interpersonal skills? Flynn Murphy reports on the debate surrounding the challenges and opportunities.

Rapid advances in new technology have made simulated learning environments available to a growing number of nursing students for practical training. Supported with funding from the federal government, simulation has the potential to reduce the number of clinical placement hours for students at a time when capacity is stretched. But is there a risk of losing exposure to important interpersonal skills with reduced patient contact? Last month, Nursing Review reported on the work of Dr John Hurley, a senior lecturer at Southern Cross University, who argued for the importance of emotional...