Evaluating the effectiveness of an innovative community/public health nursing simulation: a mixed methods study

Aim

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the design and effectiveness of an innovative community/public health nursing simulation.

Subject and methods

This mixed methods study (N?=?143) consisted of community health nursing students from two cohorts at a Midwestern, urban, public university at the end of fall 2018 (n?=?89) and winter 2019 (n?=?54) semesters. The simulation was conducted at a local simulation center. The topic was sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)/sexually transmitted infections (STIs). After being consented, students completed a pretest; the prebrief occurred next, and then the simulation was conducted, followed by the debrief. Students then completed a posttest and simulation design evaluation scale. Quantitative data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS); qualitative data underwent thematic analysis.

Results

The results showed that the majority of participants’ knowledge increased as a result of the simulation experience, and indicated what they learned and felt was most helpful. The findings also revealed that the majority of participants positively evaluated the simulation design.

Conclusion

This research provides support for the effectiveness of this innovative community/public health nursing simulation in increasing students’ knowledge about community/public health nursing, and improving community health nursing education.