Effect of Simulation Based Practice on Attitude, Confidence and Perception of Learning Outcomes of Nursing Students

Abstract

Introduction: Simulation in nursing education has detonated recently and the use of high fidelity simulators is growing. Simulation means creating situations that resemble situations arise in clinical practice in a safe and less complex environment to enhance students’ learning without putting the patient at risk.  The clinical experience is a significant part of nursing education and students’ preparation for future practice as nurses. However, nursing students sometimes lack self-confidence and experience fear and stress about meeting performance expectations.   It is important for nursing curricula to incorporate educational strategies that foster learning, decrease anxiety and stress, strengths critical thinking and increase self-confidence.  The objective of this study was to examine the effect of simulation based practice on attitude, confidence and learning outcomes among nursing students.

Methods: A descriptive design with pre and post-test was employed with a convenience sample of 68 nursing students from college of nursing at King Saud Bin Abdul Aziz University for Health sciences, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The Simulation Effectiveness Tool was used to collect data in addition to demographic profile of participants. The tool has been used widely and has a good reliability.

Results:  Results showed a mean age of 20.26 (.75) years old and a mean of 3.1 out of 5 for GPA.  Majority were singles, has no previous hospital experience and few previous simulation experience. Students showed positive attitude toward the use of simulation in the pre-test. Students reported improvement in their confidence in preparation for real patients, decision making, what to tell health care providers, recognizing and predicting changes in patients’ condition. Regarding learning outcomes, majority reported that they developed critical thinking abilities, better understanding of clinical experience, assessment skills, decision making skills, and learned from debriefing, observation and peer.

Conclusion and recommendations: Existing evidence from the current study support that the use of simulation is tangible teaching and learning methods and students can get many benefits not limited to knowledge gain, application of knowledge, and self-confidence.  Application of simulation in all nursing courses, with more training is highly recommended.  Studying effect of simulation on specific competency and patients outcomes is also crucial.

Key words: simulation, attitude, confidence, learning outcomes