Simulation as an educational tool in acute nursing care: A controlled intervention study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Medical Simulation
• Experimental Studies

Background:

• Clinical simulations are increasingly used in nursing education.
• The effectiveness of simulation-based learning, particularly through experimental designs, requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of integrating clinical simulations with traditional classroom lessons on nursing students' knowledge, perception, and self-efficacy.
• To determine if simulation-based learning improves fundamental knowledge in acute nursing.

Main Methods:

• A controlled intervention study compared traditional lessons (C) with traditional plus simulation-based lessons (I).
• Participants (n=74) were assessed on basic acute nursing knowledge via multiple-choice questionnaire, grade point average, learning perception, and self-efficacy.
• The intervention group (I) received simulation-based training at a hospital alongside classroom instruction.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in basic acute nursing knowledge was found between the intervention (I: 11.8±0.4) and control (C: 12.1±0.4) groups (p=0.54).
• The intervention group reported significantly more positive perceptions of the learning process (Δ: 6.0±1.1, p<0.002) and higher self-efficacy (Δ: 8.5±2.3, p<0.002).

Conclusions:

• Integrating clinical simulations with traditional teaching methods enhances nursing students' learning experience and confidence.
• While simulation-based learning does not appear to improve fundamental knowledge scores, it positively impacts student perception and self-efficacy in acute nursing contexts.