Impact of High-Fidelity Simulation on the Acquisition of Spiritual Competencies in a Nursing Degree in Spain: An Experimental Pre–Post Study

Abstract

High-fidelity simulation is an educational technique that utilizes advanced technology and realistic clinical scenarios to replicate real-life situations, offering students a safe and immersive environment to practice and enhance their skills. A quantitative experimental study with a pretest–posttest single-group design was conducted, where 143 first-year undergraduate nursing students (n = 143) participated in a simulation program focusing on spiritual care. The response rate was 49.5%, calculated as the number of students who completed the questionnaire (143) divided by the total number of students approached (289). The pretest and posttest were conducted one month apart. The Spirituality and Spiritual Care Rating Scale (SSCRS-Sp) was used to assess changes in students' spiritual competencies before and after the simulation. Results indicated significant improvements in students' perceptions of spiritual care, suggesting that simulation is an effective method for enhancing spiritual competencies.