Simulation-based education and the effect of multiple simulation sessions - A randomised controlled study.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Simulation
• Clinical Skills Development

Background:

• Simulation-based education is a valuable tool for enhancing nursing students' clinical decision-making skills.
• Longitudinal studies are needed to evaluate the impact of repeated simulation exposure on student learning.
• Current research lacks comprehensive data on the long-term effects of simulation-based training in nursing programs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the impact of multiple simulation scenarios on nursing students' self-reported clinical decision-making abilities.
• To evaluate the effect of varied simulation exposure on nursing students' self-confidence.
• To investigate the longitudinal effects of simulation-based education within a baccalaureate nursing program.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 146 baccalaureate nursing students over three years.
• Participants were assigned to either single (control) or double (intervention) simulation scenario groups.
• Validated instruments, including the Nurse Decision-Making Instrument and Self-Confidence Scale, were used for data collection.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in clinical decision-making scores between the single and double simulation groups.
• Self-confidence scores did not differ significantly between the intervention and control groups.
• A significant increase in overall self-confidence scores was noted across all participants over the study period.

Conclusions:

• Exposure to double versus single simulation scenarios did not yield significant improvements in clinical decision-making or self-confidence among nursing students.
• The findings suggest that while simulation is beneficial, the number of scenarios may not be the primary driver of skill enhancement.
• Further research is warranted to explore optimal simulation strategies for nursing education.