The effects of scenario-based communication training on nurses’ communication competence and self-efficacy and myocardial infarction knowledge

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of a simulated communication training course on nurses’ communication competence, self-efficacy, communication performance, myocardial infarction knowledge, and general satisfaction with their learning experience.

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted with a pre-test and two post-tests. The experimental group underwent simulated communication training course and the control group received a case-based communication training course.

Results

The experimental group made more significant improvement in competence and self-efficacy in communication from pre-test to the second post-test than the control group. Although both groups’ satisfaction with their learning experience significantly increased from the first post-test to the second post-test, the experimental group was found to be more satisfied with their learning experience than the control group. No significant differences in communication performance and myocardial infarction knowledge between the two groups were identified.

Conclusion

Scenario-based communication training can be more fully incorporated into in-service education for nurses to boost their competence and self-efficacy in communication and enhance their communication performance in myocardial infarction patient care.

Practice implications

Introduction of real-life communication scenarios through multimedia in communication education could make learners more motivated to practice communication, hence leading to improved communication capacity.