Utilization of standardized patients to decrease nursing student anxiety

Abstract

Background: Undergraduate nursing students often view the mental health clinical rotation as a source of anxiety. This anxiety can have a negative influence on the establishment of a therapeutic relationship, jeopardize patient safety, and impact student well-being and success in the program. Incorporation of standardized patients (SPs) into the mental health specialty may be one strategy to decrease student anxiety and ultimately improve patient outcomes. Methods: This study utilized a quasi-experimental design to assess if SPs can reduce student anxiety as measured by an anxiety visual analog scale and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). A convenience sample of 69 senior level undergraduate nursing students participated in the study. Results/Conclusion: The results of the study revealed a statistically significant reduction in student anxiety after the interaction with the SP and provide preliminary support of incorporating SPs as a teaching methodology in the mental health specialty.