Palliative care knowledge and self-awareness in active and observing undergraduate nursing students after end-of-life simulation

Abstract

Aim: The purpose of this quasi-experimental one-group repeated measure (pre-test/post-test) study was to determine the effect of an end-of-life (EoL) simulation-based experience (SBE) on active and observer nursing studentsf palliative care knowledge and self-awareness. Background: Baccalaureate nursing (BSN) graduates must demonstrate competence in EoL care; however, gaining EoL experience is challenging given constraints on nursing faculty and clinical sites. Research also is needed to determine whether similar outcomes are achieved by active and observer participants after EoL SBE. Method: Senior-level BSN studentsf palliative care knowledge and self-awareness of active and observer participants were measured before and after an EoL SBE. Results: Knowledge and self-awareness increased (P0.001) post-SBE in all participants, with equivalent post-test scores (P.0.248) for active (Mattitude=130.1; Mknowledge=80.5) and observer (Mattitude=128.3; Mknowledge=77.9) participants. Conclusion: EoL SBE is an effective method for increasing student palliative care competence. Student observers benefit as much as active participants on knowledge and self-awareness outcomes.