Hybrid simulation approach enhances technical and non-technical skills in therapeutic pharmacology education

Safe medication administration is a critical competency for nursing students. Simulation-based learning, particularly hybrid simulation combined with role-playing, may enhance both technical and communication skills in clinical practice and reduce the gap with theoretical knowledge.

This quasi-experimental study assessed the impact of hybrid and role-playing simulation sessions on nursing students' knowledge, skills, and patient communication in therapeutic pharmacology. Students participated in two sequential simulation sessions. Performance was evaluated across domains including correct patient identification, dosage calculation, medication preparation, hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment, and patient communication.

Significant improvements were observed across all domains, except for initial "right patient" verification. Hand hygiene compliance increased from 67.9% to 93.6% (p < 0.001), use of personal protective equipment from 78.2% to 96.2% (p < 0.001), allergy verification from 44.3% to 91.8% (p < 0.001), and patient identification accuracy from 53.6% to 94.7% (p < 0.001). Correct dosage calculation and reconstitution rates improved dramatically from 1.3% to 93.6% (p < 0.001). Communication behaviors, including verification of patient identity and eliciting the reason for consultation, also showed substantial gains. Overall satisfaction with the simulation experience remained high throughout the study, all individual satisfaction items scoring between 4.56 and 4.69 out of 5.

Hybrid simulation combined with role-playing significantly enhances nursing students' competencies in safe medication administration and patient communication. This educational approach provides a safe and immersive learning environment, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice. The integration of structured simulation programs, experiential learning, and blended teaching methods can further consolidate medication safety skills and promote the development of competent, safety-conscious healthcare professionals.