Let’s face it. Individualizing a manikin by means of a lifecast face increases the flow that students experience during simulation training: results from randomized controlled pilot trial

Introduction This study explored the impact of incorporating a personalized moulage face mask modelled after a simulated patient, on a high-tech simulator manikin during simulation training on nursing students' flow experience. The use of high-tech simulator manikins in medical education is common, but their generic appearance can hinder students’ engagement and learning. Methods The study was conducted using a randomized controlled design with nursing students, comparing simulation scenarios with a manikin wearing a realistic personalized moulage face mask to those with a generic face. The Flow Short Scale was utilized to measure participants’ flow experience, encompassing absorption, fluency and anxiety. Results Results indicated that the experimental group using the personalized manikin experienced significantly higher levels of overall flow and fluency compared to the control group. No significant differences were observed in absorption and anxiety between the groups. Discussion The personalized high-fidelity manikin face could be considered an additional tool for facilitators to enhance learners' engagement and flow in simulation scenarios.