The Effectiveness of High-Fidelity Simulation for Lung Assessment among Undergraduate Nursing Students, Thailand

Background: Simulation is becoming an essential tool in nursing education program because it has an opportunity to practice in real life situation more than once. Simulation technique can improve learning outcomes including knowledge, self-confidence and clinical performance in undergraduate nursing education.

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the effect of high-fidelity manikin simulator on student knowledge and self-confidence in lung assessment, and satisfaction with simulation training.

Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study conducted at Ramathibodi School of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand. All senior nursing students at undergraduate level enrolled in Course of Primary Medical Care Practicum were asked to participate in this study, 6 were randomly assigned to a 1-hour high-fidelity manikin simulation (SimMan® 3G), and 6 to usual teaching method. Outcome measurement included knowledge, self-confidence in lung assessment, and satisfaction with simulation training.

Results: Students in a simulation group had significantly higher knowledge (t = -4.34, df = 5, p < .05) and self-confidence in lung assessment (t = -3.86, df = 5, p < .05) after had simulation experience. Students learned in usual teaching method had no significantly difference of knowledge and self-confidence in lung assessment. The overall satisfaction with the simulation training was extremely satisfied (66.67%), and highly satisfied (33.33%). 

Conclusion: High-fidelity manikin simulation was effective tools for better learning outcomes of knowledge and self-confidence in lung assessment. Therefore; simulation experience with high-fidelity manikin for lung assessment should be established to improve the learning outcomes in undergraduate nursing curriculum.