Improving Student Pharmacists' Learning Through the Use of Pediatric Simulation

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Nursing Education
• Simulation-Based Learning

Background:

• Pediatric physical assessment skills are crucial for nursing practice.
• Traditional teaching methods may not fully engage students or enhance confidence in these skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of low-fidelity simulation on nursing students' confidence, knowledge, and skills in pediatric physical assessments.
• To compare student interest and learning activity effectiveness with and without simulation.

Main Methods:

• A low-fidelity simulator for heart and breath sounds was integrated into a pediatric elective.
• Student confidence in 9 physical assessment skills was measured pre- and post-simulation.
• Course evaluations with and without simulation were compared.

Main Results:

• Student confidence scores significantly increased for all 9 assessed skills post-simulation.
• 98% of students demonstrated competency in the formal assessment.
• Students reported higher interest and perceived effectiveness when simulation was used.

Conclusions:

• Low-fidelity simulation is an effective strategy for enhancing pediatric physical assessment skills in nursing students.
• Simulation improves student confidence, knowledge acquisition, and engagement with the subject matter.