A project that used a mocked-up bedsit to enable nursing studens to work through realistic scenarios helped them to hone their skills in a safe environment, says Marie O’Boyle-Duggan

The author explores the use of live simulation as a strategy for teaching nursing and other students about person-centred health care for service users who have learning disabilities and present with challenging behaviours. This method enabled students to learn and practise safely and effectively, and then complete a questionnaire about the experience. Most of the students recorded that they had improved attitudes and insights, and increased competence and confidence.