BackgroundSimulation-based training is used to develop nursing students’ clinical performance in assessing and managing situations in clinical placements. The use of simulation-based training has increased and become an integrated part of nursing education. The aim of this study was to explore nursing students’ experiences of simulation-based training and how the students perceived the transfer of learning to clinical practice.MethodsEight focus group interviews were conducted with a total of 32 s- and third-year nursing students who participated in a simulation-based training organized as preparation for clinical placement. The transcribed interviews were analysed with thematic analysis.ResultsThree major themes emerged from the focus group interviews; first, the simulation-based training promoted self-confidence; second, understanding from simulation-based training improved clinical skills and judgements in clinical practice; and third, simulation-based training emphasised the importance of communication and team collaboration.ConclusionsThis study revealed students’ transfer of learning outcomes from simulation-based training to clinical practice. The students’ experiences of the simulation-based training remain as enduring and conscious learning outcomes throughout their completion of clinical practice. The organisation of simulation-based training and its implementation in the curriculum are crucial for the learning outcomes and for students’ experiences of the transfer of knowledge to clinical practice.

Automation of reticulocyte counting has decreased the analytical imprecision of this parameter. This has made it possible to use the number of reticulocytes and its derived parameters (reticulocyte maturity and reticulocyte cell indices) in new diagnostic and monitoring situations. For rational use of these parameters, it is important to have knowledge of their biological variability. The biological variability of reticulocytes and its derived parameters was studied in 13 healthy people during a period of 7 wk on 2 different instruments. The within‐subject coefficient of variation for the reticulocyte count was about 11%, for the mean reticulocyte volume, mean reticulocyte haemoglobin content and mean reticulocyte haemoglobin concentration it was between 1 and 2%, whereas the coefficient of variations for the subpopulations of reticulocytes with different maturity varied depending on the method used for the measurements. The critical difference, that is the change in a result making it significantly different from the previous result, was about 35% for the reticulocyte count and 5–8% for the reticulocyte cell indices, making these indices excellent to follow changes in erythropoiesis. With a possible exception for the mean reticulocyte volume, the within‐subject variation was small compared to the between‐subject variation.

This article is based upon a study of the experiences of physiotherapists working with elderly depressed patients and the use of physical activity. Depression in the elderly is a common condition, and it is estimated to be the second most common cause of failing health towards 2020. Physical activity has a positive effect on depression in the elderly. The aim of this study was to investigate the experiences of physiotherapist`s in the treatment of elderly depressed patients over 65 years of age. Data was collected by qualitative reasearch interviews of 5 physiotherapists. Important findings of this study were that the physiotherapists experienced that they did not get any referrals to treatment solely due to depression, and that they needed a different approach to physical activity compared to other patient groups.