Effects of Simulation-Based Deliberate Practice on Nursing Students' Communication, Empathy, and Self-Efficacy

Abstract

Background: Newly graduated nurses' communication ability often does not satisfy the needs of clinical sites. New training pedagogies are needed to help nursing students improve communication skills. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of simulation-based deliberate practice on cultivating nursing students' communication, empathy, and self-efficacy. Method: The study was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 132 first-year nursing students participated in the study at a nursing school in China. The intervention was guided by simulation-based education and deliberate practice. The Clinical Communication Ability Scale, Jefferson Scale of Empathy-Health Professionals, and General Self-Efficacy Scale were used to measure the students' outcomes. Results: After the intervention, students' scores of clinical communication ability, empathy, and self-efficacy in the experimental group all increased significantly, compared with those of the control group. Conclusion: The simulation-based deliberate practice program is a feasible teaching method targeting improvement in nursing students' communication, empathy, and self-efficacy. [ J Nurs Educ . 2019;58(12):681–689.]

Pre-Brief in Simulation-Based Experiences: A Scoping Review of the Literature

“…Kim and Shin (2016) described significant improvement in attitude, knowledge and skills after exposure to a high-fidelity SBE, outcomes that were echoed in a systematic review of performance outcomes after high-fidelity SBEs. Improved sense of self-efficacy and confidence among novice-learners were among the notable benefits of SBE exposure, as noted by Li et al (2019) as well as Abdullah Al Gharibi and Arulappan (2020) , respectively. As SBEs involve collaboration within a group, improvements in communication ( Evans et al, 2014 ;Lee et al, 2021 ;Li et al, 2019 ) and leadership ( Evans et al, 2014 ) have also been widely reported after SCE exposure.…”

“…Improved sense of self-efficacy and confidence among novice-learners were among the notable benefits of SBE exposure, as noted by Li et al (2019) as well as Abdullah Al Gharibi and Arulappan (2020) , respectively. As SBEs involve collaboration within a group, improvements in communication ( Evans et al, 2014 ;Lee et al, 2021 ;Li et al, 2019 ) and leadership ( Evans et al, 2014 ) have also been widely reported after SCE exposure. Baptista et al (2016) note that the "realism" of the SBE contributed to better participant's engagement and helped in meeting the learner's outcomes.…”

“…Among the studies selected for the scoping review, there was consensus that simulated learning was effective and necessary in medical education. In fact, SBEs yielded better outcomes in student satisfaction and learning outcomes when compared to traditional lecture and reading-based learning ( Franklin et al, 2015 ;La Cerra et al, 2019 ;Li et al, 2019 ). Tait et al (2018) established that computer-based and role-play/mannequin simulations with a pre-briefing were effective in achieving learning outcomes and student engagement.…”

“…As evidenced by a thorough review of the literature exploring the use of realistic, high-fidelity, computer or mannequin-based simulations improves a number of variables among learners, including skill, knowledge ( Tait et al, 2018 ), communication ( Evans et al, 2014 ;Lee et al, 2021 ;Li et al, 2019 ) and self-efficacy ( Li et al, 2019 ). As stated in the research question, the authors sought to determine how the pre-brief might contribute to these improved variables.…”

“…Measures of critical thinking were significantly improved with exposure to simulation in multiple studies ( Abdullah Al Gharibi & Arulappan, 2020 ;Chamberlain, 2017 ;Kim & Shin, 2016 ). Other significantly improved measures included clinical competence ( Kim & Shin, 2016 ;La Cerra et al, 2019 ) and confidence ( Abdullah Al Gharibi & Arulappan, 2020 ;Chamberlain, 2017 ), as well as communication and selfefficacy ( Li et al, 2019 ). A pre-brief was held prior to the scenario within these studies, though specific protocols were not explicitly stated.…”