Evidence-based simulation: Fostering competency through structured and multisource feedback.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Medical Simulation
• Healthcare Communication

Background:

• Preclinical simulation is an evidence-based method for enhancing nurse practitioner (NP) student competencies.
• Multisource feedback (MSF) from standardized patients (SPs), faculty, peers, and self is utilized in simulations.
• The impact of MSF within preclinical simulations on NP students' clinical knowledge and communication skills requires further evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design, implement, and evaluate a preclinical simulation program with integrated MSF for NP students.
• To assess the program's effect on communication self-efficacy and disease management knowledge.
• To explore NP students' perceptions of learning and the importance of different feedback sources.

Main Methods:

• A single-group pre-post mixed-methods design was employed.
• A preclinical simulation program with structured MSF was integrated into a Doctor of Nursing Practice curriculum.
• Data collection included pre- and post-participation assessments and qualitative feedback on learning perceptions.

Main Results:

• Significant increases in both clinical communication self-efficacy and disease management knowledge scores were observed post-participation.
• Learners consistently rated all feedback sources (SPs, peers, self, faculty) as important or very important.
• Learners perceived the various feedback sources as complementary, highlighting their combined value in the learning process.

Conclusions:

• Preclinical simulation incorporating structured MSF is an effective strategy for enhancing NP students' multidomain competencies.
• The purposeful integration of MSF provides a robust, evidence-based approach to curriculum development in advanced nursing education.
• This model supports the development of essential skills required to meet evolving standards in advanced nursing practice education.