Comparing Virtual Simulations to Paper Case Studies in Combination With Manikin-Based Medication Administration...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Patient Safety
• Healthcare Simulation

Background:

• Medication errors represent a significant and preventable cause of adverse events in healthcare settings.
• Ensuring safe medication administration is a critical competency for nursing students.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of an enhanced medication administration simulation bundle for undergraduate nursing students.
• To compare the impact of virtual simulation-based experiences (V-SBEs) versus traditional paper case studies for deliberate practice (DP) on safe medication administration.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental, pre/posttest design was employed.
• 101 undergraduate nursing students participated in multiple medication administration simulation-based experiences (SBEs).
• DP was facilitated using either V-SBEs or traditional paper case studies.

Main Results:

• Student performance in medication administration SBEs demonstrated improvement after the third experience.
• No statistically significant differences in performance were observed between the V-SBE group and the traditional paper case study group.
• Both methods of DP contributed to enhanced student performance.

Conclusions:

• Deliberate practice (DP) is crucial for developing safe medication administration skills in undergraduate nursing students.
• Simulation-based experiences (SBEs), whether virtual or traditional, are valuable tools for medication administration training.
• The study underscores the importance of DP in preparing competent nurses.