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Education

Impact of High-Fidelity and Virtual Simulation Experiences on Nurses’ Acquired Knowledge and Skills for Triaging Suspected COVID-19 Patients

Thursday, June 15, 2023
3:30 PM – 4:15 PM EDT
Location: Junior Ballroom
Disclosure(s):
Jefferson G. Guerrero, Ph.D, DNS, RN: No financial relationships to disclose
Abstract :

Purpose: This study compares the impact of high-fidelity simulation (HFS) and virtual simulation (VS) experiences on nurses for triaging suspected COVID-19 patients on the basis of their knowledge and skill acquisition.

Background: The essential tools for nurses’ professional growth and development are not limited to participation in seminars or symposiums. Training, such as simulation, is also a crucial practice for improving nurses’ competency, especially during a pandemic crisis.

Methods: This study employed a comparative research design. The nurses’ acquired knowledge and skills were evaluated by dividing them into Groups A and B, which were exposed to HFS and VS, respectively.

Results: The mean score obtained by both groups in their post-test was significantly higher than that obtained in their pre-test, by an average of -18.38 for Group A and 22.14 for Group B. The mean score obtained in their post-Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) was significantly higher than that in their pre-OSCE, by an average of -23.00 for Group A and 20.67 for Group B. Moreover, Group B’s mean score in the post-test was significantly higher than Group A’s by an average of -3.00. Group A’s post-OSCE mean score was significantly higher than Group B’s by an average of 2.92.

Conclusions: Nurses who were exposed to HFS and VS improved their professional competence significantly; however, nurses exposed to VS acquired more knowledge, and nurses exposed to HFS developed higher-level skills.

Learning Objectives:

  • Recognize the impact of the two modalities of simulation (HFS and VS) on nurses’ professional growth and development.
  • Compare the effect of HFS and VS experience on nurses’ knowledge and skills acquisition.
  • Explore the importance of practicing various clinical situations in a safe environment.
  • Recognize that simulation help improve nurses’ knowledge and skills, thereby enhancing their professional competence, independence, and confidence in practice.