Low-fidelity simulation vs. standardized patients in prevention and management of pressure injury education.

AIM

This study aims to compare the impact of standardized patient and low-fidelity simulation methods on the success, satisfaction, and self-confidence levels of nursing students in prevention and management of pressure injury education.

METHODS

The study was designed as a randomized, controlled experimental study with pretest and posttest control groups. Eighty-one nursing students that met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to intervention (standardized patient; n = 40) and control (low-fidelity mannequin simulator; n = 41) groups. A descriptive characteristics form, the Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale, and the Simulation Design Scale were used for data collection. Implementation skills and knowledge levels of the students were evaluated by using a skills control list and pretest and posttest measurements, respectively.

RESULTS

The posttest knowledge score of the students in the standardized patient group, which was measured after the simulation education, was higher (p < 0.05). We did not find any statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of the scores obtained from the Students Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale and its subscales (p > 0.05). Compared to the low-fidelity mannequin group, the standardized patient group obtained higher scores from the Simulation Design Scale and its Objectives/Information subscale (p < 0.05). Regarding the skills needed in the implementation phases of pressure injury, the standardized patient group was more successful in terms of communication skills (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

If the simulation design is well-planned, the use of a standardized patient and a low-fidelity mannequin have similar impacts on student satisfaction and self-confidence. However, the success scores and communication skills of the students in the standardized patient group were higher.