Using Deliberate Practice and Simulation for Psychomotor Skill Competency Acquisition and Retention: A Mixed-Methods Study

Abstract

Background Quality, safe patient care is dependent on graduates who are proficient in the psychomotor skills of nursing. Competent skill acquisition and retention are key to reducing skill-based errors and reducing the risk of adverse patient events. Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of deliberate practice combined with skill practice during high-fidelity simulation (HFS) scenarios on urinary catheter insertion skill competency and retention in prelicensure nursing students. Methods A convergent, parallel mixed-methods design was used. Results The group participating in skill practice before and during HFS scenarios demonstrated a reduction in errors when performing the skill and an improvement in retention of skill competency. Conclusions This article describes how the combination of deliberate skill practice prior to and during HFS scenarios may improve student skill acquisition and retention.