Using high fidelity simulation to enhance understanding of pediatric immunizations and parent education in baccalaureate nursing students

Abstract

The use of high fidelity simulation to educate health care professionals is becoming more common, especially in nursing education. This innovative teaching method bridges the knowledge gaps that are often present in nursing students related to limited clinical experiences and the transition of healthcare to the community setting. In addition, there are limited opportunities to practice in specialty clinical experiences such as pediatrics. This is particularly the case with pediatric immunizations. However, accrediting boards for colleges and future employers expect students to be able to function in these specialty roles despite the lack of clinical opportunities. Therefore, a pediatric immunization and parent education simulation was designed to address this knowledge gap and evaluate student anxiety, knowledge acquisition, satisfaction, and self-confidence with this innovative teaching method. The sample consisted of 21 senior nursing students enrolled in a community health nursing course in a rural baccalaureate nursing program in Illinois.The study design was a one-group, pre-test, post-test repeated measures design guided by Jeffries’ Nursing Education Simulation Framework. Participants completed a researcher designed demographic questionnaire, the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Scale for Adults (STAI), a researcher-designed knowledge test, and the Student Satisfaction and Self Confidence in Learning scale. Results were analyzed with SPSS, Version 20 using descriptive statistics, paired t-tests, and Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient. The study results demonstrated that high fidelity simulation was an effective teaching modality that decreased students’ anxiety, enhanced their knowledge, and increased their self confidence with administering pediatric immunizations and providing parent education.