Manikin-based simulation: online orientation and student anxiety

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Simulation-Based Learning
• Healthcare Professional Training

Background:

• Manikin-based simulation labs are crucial for medical training.
• Traditional in-person orientations can be time-consuming.
• Optimizing orientation methods is key to maximizing learning time.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate anxiety changes with different student orientation methods for manikin-based simulation labs.
• To determine if online orientation modules can enhance learning time efficiency.
• To compare anxiety levels between in-person and online orientation groups.

Main Methods:

• Anxiety scores were collected using a visual analog scale from intern groups.
• Students experienced either a 30-minute in-person orientation or an online module.
• Statistical analysis included one-way analysis of variance and the Kruskal-Wallis test.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant difference in mean anxiety scores was found between the in-person and online orientation groups.
• A significant difference in anxiety was observed between year cohorts at the end of the introductory phase.
• Anxiety levels did not differ significantly when comparing specific in-person orientation years to the online module year.

Conclusions:

• Shifting from in-person to online orientation for simulation labs facilitates a successful transition and increases learning time.
• Anxiety levels in students can fluctuate significantly between academic years, irrespective of the orientation delivery method.
• Online orientation modules are a viable and effective alternative to in-person sessions for simulation lab preparation.