The Effects of Simulation Based Practical Education on Nursing Students' Self-efficacy, Performance Confidence, and Educational Satisfaction

Abstract

Objective: This single-group, pre-post experimental study aimed to determine the effects of simulation-based practice education on nursing students' self-efficacy, performance confidence, and educational satisfaction. Design:Single-group pre-post experimental study Methods: This study was conducted from September 1, 2023, to November 30, 2023, using undergraduate nursing students in a simulation-based practical education program. For preliminary learning, the participants were provided with learning materials on an acute myocardial infarction case with chest pain. Thereafter, students were divided into teams of six and asked to self-study for 2 hours per team, twice a week, before conducting simulation practice. For simulation-based practical education, the participants were divided into nine teams of six people each; each team had 10 minutes for orientation, 15 minutes for scenario operation, and 50 minutes for debriefing. Results: After the simulation-based practical education, self-efficacy increased significantly from a mean of 3.51 before training to a mean of 3.80 after training (t=-2.12, p=0.038). However, there were no significant differences in performance confidence. There was a significant positive correlation between self-efficacy and performance confidence (r=0.62, p<0.001) and training satisfaction (r=0.67, p<0.001) after simulation-based practical education. Self-confidence was also significantly correlated with educational satisfaction (r = 0.76, p<0.001). Conclusions: The results of this study revealed that simulation-based practical education can increase nursing students' self-efficacy, which positively affects their performance confidence and educational satisfaction. Therefore, simulation-based practical education is an effective method for improving the practical skills of nursing students.