Comparing Standardized Patient and Case-Based Pain Education in Nursing Students

Pain management is a crucial part of nursing care, and it is important for nursing students to learn pain assessment and management techniques to provide effective care. This study was conducted to examine the effects of standardized patient and case-based pain management programs on nursing students' pain attitudes, self-efficacy, beliefs, and clinical skills self-efficacy.

This study was conducted as a single-blind randomized trial. Data were collected using a Student Information Form, the Nursing Students' Attitudes toward Pain Assessment Scale, the Pain Management Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, the Pain Beliefs Questionnaire, and the Short and Universal Learning Self-Efficacy Scale for Clinical Skills. The study was conducted in three stages: theoretical education, laboratory practice, and clinical practice.

In the standardized patient group, a significant decrease in pain assessment attitude scores was observed at Time 1 compared to Time 0, but scores significantly increased following clinical practice (Time 2 and Time 3). Conversely, the case-based group showed a steady increase in attitude scores. Pain management self-efficacy scores significantly improved in both groups, with the standardized patient group achieving higher scores at Time 2 and Time 3 (p < .05). Both methods effectively enhanced pain beliefs, though the standardized patient group demonstrated higher organic belief scores.

Both programs are effective; however, the standardized patient method provides a stronger long-term impact on self-efficacy and belief levels, while case-based education is effective for rapid attitude improvement. Integrating both methods can provide a more comprehensive pain management education.

Integrating standardized patient and case-based pain management programs into nursing education can enhance students' attitudes, self-efficacy, and beliefs regarding pain, potentially leading to improved clinical decision-making and more effective patient care in real-world settings.