Preparing for practice, the effects of repeated immersive simulation on the knowledge and self-efficacy of undergraduate nursing students: A mixed methods study

• Published in: Nurse education in practice 2024-01, Vol.74, p.103866-103866, Article 103866
• Main Authors: Platt, Alan, Allan, Jaden, Leader, Claire, Prescott-Clements, Linda, McMeekin, Peter
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analysis of covariance; Confidence; Content analysis; Curricula; Data analysis; Educational Environment; Experiential Learning; Focus groups; Justification; Knowledge; Knowledge base; Midwifery; Mixed methods research; Nursing; Nursing education; Nursing Students; Outcomes of Education; Professional identity; Questionnaires; Return on investment; Self-efficacy; Simulation; Society; Statistical significance; Students; Teams; Undergraduate Students; Validity
• ISSN: 1471-5953; 1873-5223
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nepr.2023.103866

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two immersive simulation-based education instructional designs, immersive simulation with team deliberate practice and immersive repeated standard simulation, when delivered over the same time on the knowledge and self-efficacy of nursing students. Implementing immersive simulation-based education is not without its resource challenges, making it prohibitive for simulation educators to include it in their curricula. Subsequently, there is a need to identify instructional designs that meet these challenges. A two-stage mixed methods approach was used to compare the two instructional designs. In stage one, data were collected using questionnaires and differences estimated using analysis of covariance. In stage two, data were collected from two focus groups and analysed using a qualitative content analysis approach. Data were collected as part of a doctoral study completed in 2019 and was analysed for this study between 2022 and 2023. The justification for this study was that the identification of effective designs for immersive simulation remains a key research priority following the increase in allowable simulation hours by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. In stage one, there was no statistical significance in the participant's knowledge or self-efficacy between the models. In stage two, four themes were identified: vulnerability, development of knowledge, development of self-efficacy and preparation for placement. In contrast to stage one, participants reported that the repeated nature of both designs reinforced their knowledge base increased their self-efficacy, reduced their anxiety levels, and helped them to prepare for placement. The results inferred that both designs had a positive impact on the participants. Overall, participants reported that it helped them prepare for placements. Based on the findings, wherever possible, repeated immersive simulation-based education designs should be used and not a standalone immersive simulation-based education scenarios. If resources allow, this could be either a repeated scenario, or if there are resource constraints to use, over the same time, immersive simulation with team deliberate practice, or a similar model. Thus, giving a potential return on investment, one that supports simulation educators making those sensitive decisions regarding the inclusion of immersive simulation with team deliberate practice in their curriculum. Further research is needed int