The impact of standardized patient interactions on nursing students' preventive interventions for pressure ulcers

This study was performed as a quasi-experimental study using a standardized patient simulation program in order to explore the effects of education on the performance and knowledge of undergraduate nursing students with respect to pressure ulcer prevention.

The study sample consisted of 38 students who completed the study. After the theoretical education portion, the students first knowledge and performance scores were evaluated with the standardized patient program. Demonstration education with the standardized patient and a second standardized patient practice were then performed. Afterwards, a debriefing session was held under the supervision of the researcher. After three months, the second knowledge and performance score evaluation was performed with the standardized patient. Knowledge and performance scores were compared after theoretical training and three months after simulation training.

The mean score of 38 students were 43.68 ± 9.06 and 75.92 ± 16.84 on the pre- and post-tests, respectively. Preliminary points were significantly lower than post-test points (p < 0.001). The median performance score was 7.89 (min-max: 0-73.68) in the first simulation and 86.84 (min-max: 63.16-100.00) in the second simulation. There was a statistically significant change between the two performance scores (p < 0.001).

In this study, it was determined that the level of knowledge and performance persisted in the evaluations after comprehensive training using standardized patient simulations. This study confirmed standardized patient practice as an efficient learning modality for nursing students in the long-term.