Knowledge, satisfaction, and self-confidence in health professionals: Simulation with manikin versus simulated patient

Abstract

Background: Combining various teaching strategies that merge theory and practice has been consid-ered an efficient method in health education. Objective: To compare health professionals’ knowledge, satisfaction, and self-confidence regarding clinical simulation with a high-fidelity manikin or a simulated patient. Methodology: A quasi-experimental study was carried out through the application of a theoretical knowledge test and the Student Satisfaction and Self-confidence in Learning Scale during a theoretical-practical course in prenatal care for health professionals. An inferential statistical analysis was performed. Results: Considering the 44 participants in the study, the mean of correct answers was 7 in the first theoretical knowledge test, and 8 in the second. Knowledge increased after theoretical explanation and simulation (p < 0.000). There was no significant difference between the “Actor” and “SimMan” simulation groups (p > 0.05) in the two dimensions concerning satisfaction and self-confidence. Conclusion: The overall mean of satisfaction and self-confidence was higher in the “Actor” group than in the “SimMan” group.