Using virtual patient simulation with partial task trainer: A quasi-experimental study.

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Medical Simulation
• Clinical Skills Training

Background:

• Effective educational strategies are crucial for developing nursing students' skills.
• Traditional methods may not provide sufficient practice opportunities for complex procedures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of integrating partial task trainers with virtual patients on nursing students' learning.
• To assess effectiveness, performance, self-confidence, satisfaction, and knowledge in urinary catheterization for acute urinary retention.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, quasi-experimental study involving 71 senior nursing students.
• Comparison between a virtual patient group and a virtual patient with partial task trainer group.
• Data collected via validated scales and performance/knowledge reports.

Main Results:

• The group using virtual patients with partial task trainers reported significantly higher satisfaction and self-confidence scores (p<0.05).
• Simulation effectiveness scores related to confidence and overall performance were also significantly higher in the combined group (p<0.05).
• No significant differences were observed in prebriefing, learning, debriefing, performance, or knowledge scores.

Conclusions:

• Integrating partial task trainers with virtual patients enhances nursing students' satisfaction and self-confidence.
• This blended simulation approach is perceived as effective for developing skills in urinary catheterization for acute urinary retention.