Student satisfaction and self-confidence in realistic simulation and the experience of knowledge perpetuation

Abstract

Introduction: The structure of educational methods is frequently renewed, using different available tools, according to the National Curriculum Guidelines. One of these, the realistic simulation (RS) methodology, is used to create proximity between the student and the real everyday life in a monitored environment, which provides room for error, but not with an actual patient. However, measuring meaningful learning is a complex task and support scales can be used. Based on this challenge, can the perpetuation of knowledge among students from different semesters using the RS tool add knowledge? Objectives: To explain the use of RS among medical students; to compare satisfaction and self-confidence indices in relation to RS using a scale, specifically in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), before and after the learning intervention among students from different semesters; to know the students’ learning process through the in-person teaching post-performance questionnaire. Method: This was a quasi-experimental study with 86 medical students from a private institution, with data collection was carried out in three stages, namely: study guidelines, scenario practice and perpetuation of knowledge to other students. Two questionnaires and an evaluation scale were used as tools and, for comparison, the relative and absolute frequencies, Cronbach’s alpha and the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test were used. Results: Cronbach’s alpha was considered high and the nonparametric test resulted in values between 3.81 and 4.91, indicating agreement in satisfaction and self-confidence in learning, with a significant difference in the answers: I liked the way my teacher taught using the simulation; I am confident that I have mastered the content of the simulation activity to which my teacher introduced me and I know how to use simulation activities to learn skills. Regarding the perpetuation of learning, its fixation and its relevance in training, all students also agreed that 6% still did not consider themselves ready to perform CPR. Conclusion: The study proposal proved to be effective in improving learning and perpetuating knowledge among students.