Training perinatal nurses in palliative communication by using scenario-based simulation: A quasi-experimental study.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Palliative Care
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• Perinatal nurses require enhanced palliative care communication skills.
• Simulation-based training is effective but underutilized in perinatal palliative care.
• Deficiencies in communication and decision-making attitudes necessitate improved education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of two educational modules on perinatal nurses' communication in palliative care.
• To compare Scenario-Based Simulation (SBS) with traditional didactic lectures.
• To assess communication confidence, competence, and performance.

Main Methods:

• Quasi-experimental design with 79 perinatal nurses.
• Intervention groups: Scenario-Based Simulation (SBS) and traditional didactic lecture.
• Pre- and post-intervention assessments of confidence and competence; performance evaluation by standardized patients.

Main Results:

• The SBS group showed significant improvements in confidence, competence, and performance (p <0.05).
• Nurses in the SBS group reported higher learning satisfaction (p <0.001).
• A notable training gap in palliative care was identified among nurses.

Conclusions:

• Scenario-Based Simulation (SBS) is more effective than didactic lectures for enhancing perinatal nurses' palliative care communication.
• Standardized patient feedback validates SBS effectiveness in improving performance.
• Integrating SBS into palliative care training programs is recommended for perinatal nurses.