Effect of a simulation game on nursing students' reflective thinking skills: a mixed methods study

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Simulation
• Cognitive Skills Development

Background:

• Investigated the impact of "The Ward" simulation game on senior nursing students' reflective thinking.
• Reflective thinking is crucial for developing competent and critical-care nurses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a simulation game in enhancing reflective thinking skills.
• To explore student experiences with simulation-based learning.

Main Methods:

• Convergent mixed methods parallel research design.
• Convenience sample of 23 senior nursing students.
• Data collected via surveys, a reflective thinking scale, and interviews over seven weeks.

Main Results:

• Significant increase in reflective thinking scores post-simulation game (pre-test: 39.70 ± 5.15; post-test: 67.39 ± 8.13, p < 0.05).
• Students identified knowledge gaps and improved self-confidence, decision-making, and motivation through game-induced teamwork and collaboration.

Conclusions:

• Simulation games are effective tools for improving nursing students' reflective thinking.
• Recommends restructuring nursing curricula to incorporate simulation games.
• Advocates for nurse educators and executives to promote simulation for lifelong learning.