Effectiveness of medical simulation in the education of nursing students

Abstract

Introduction: Medical simulation is a complex teaching method commonly used in academic education. It serves as a key tool in the education of nursing students, allowing them to acquire practical skills in a safe, controlled environment. Aim: The aim of the study was to analyze the effectiveness of the education of nursing students using medical simulation as a teaching method. Material and methods: The study was conducted from October 2023 to January 2024 at the Zamość Academy in Zamość and the Lublin Academy WSEI in Lublin. The study included nursing students who participated in classes at the Medical Simulation Center, having previously been qualified for the study. The diagnostic survey method was used for material collection. The research tools included the Educational Practices Questionnaire (EPQ) and the Simulation Design Scale (SDS). The study received a positive opinion from the Bioethics Committee of the Zamość Academy, and the participants were informed about the voluntary nature of participation and the principles of anonymity. Results: The students gave the highest rating to educational techniques related to cooperation (Me = 5.0). Statistical analysis showed a weak negative correlation between age and the evaluation of active learning (R = –0.137; p = 0.016), expectations (R = –0.181; p = 0.001), and the overall evaluation of educational techniques (R = –0.141; p = 0.014). Students with children rated the expectations domain significantly lower (p = 0.027). A weak negative correlation was found between age and the evaluation of objectives and information (R = –0.180; p = 0.002), support (R = –0.154; p = 0.007), and the overall evaluation of simulation assumptions (R = –0.145; p = 0.011). The realism of scenario elements was rated the highest (Me = 5.0). Conclusions: The study showed that the students rated educational techniques related to collaboration the highest, recognizing this area as crucial in the educational process. With increasing age, the evaluation of scenario elements decreases, including objectives and information, support, and overall assumptions of medical simulation. Students with children rated the expectations domain of educational techniques significantly lower. Students highly rated the realism of the simulation, considering it an essential element in education that will have a significant impact on their future professional practice.