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'Putting words into action' project: using role play in skills training
Debbie Lewis1, Marie O'Boyle-Duggan, Jim Chapman
1Birmingham City University.
This pilot study shows that using trained acting students and nursing role-players significantly boosts nursing students' confidence in communication skills training (CST). Both participants and observers experienced increased confidence across various nursing fields.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Healthcare Communication
- Simulation-Based Learning
Background:
- Effective communication skills training (CST) is crucial for healthcare professionals.
- Implementing CST in large health faculties presents significant logistical challenges.
- Experienced role-players and skilled facilitation are vital for effective CST.
Purpose of the Study:
- To pilot a novel approach to CST delivery in a large nursing program.
- To assess the impact of trained acting students and nursing role-players on student confidence.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of role-play scenarios across diverse nursing fields.
Main Methods:
- A two-phase pilot project involving role-player training and subsequent CST delivery.
- 26 CST sessions conducted for 520 first-year BSc nursing students.
- Role-plays based on clinical scenarios in adult, mental health, learning disability, and children's nursing.
- Pre- and post-session surveys to measure student confidence, supplemented by feedback from role-players and facilitators.
- Statistical analysis using Wilcoxon and Mann Whitney non-parametric tests.
Main Results:
- Pre-session confidence levels were similar for participating and observing students.
- A statistically significant increase in post-session confidence was observed across all four nursing fields.
- Both participating and observing students showed increased confidence, with participants demonstrating the largest gains.
- Positive feedback was gathered from role-players and facilitators regarding the training and delivery.
Conclusions:
- Trained acting students and nursing role-players can effectively deliver CST in large nursing programs.
- This simulation-based approach significantly enhances nursing students' communication confidence.
- The model is adaptable and effective across various specialized nursing domains, warranting further investigation and broader implementation.
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