Abstract

Session presented on: Monday, July 22, 2013:

Purpose: The purpose of this 2012 study was to determine the effectiveness of implementing Polya's Four Phases of Problem-Solving into simulation in order to evaluate mean dosage calculation test scores and self-perceived judgment in dosage calculation skills in fundamental nursing students. In addition, levels of satisfaction, self-confidence in learning, best educational practices, and satisfaction with the simulation design were measured utilizing the NLN 5-point Likert scaled tools.

Methods: A quantitative pre-test/post-test design was utilized to measure the effectiveness of high-fidelity simulation on an intact group of fundamental AS level nursing students (n = 77).

Results: Results revealed that fundamental students performed significantly better on the post-test (m = 8.77, sd = 0.83) than the pre-test (m = 6.60, sd = 19.4) after attending a simulation experiment (t(76) = -10.561, p < .000). Dosage calculation items that were perceived to be highly illogical-neutral were more likely to be incorrect, however, these items were significantly improved by the post-test. Students were satisfied with the simulation experience (m = 4.55, sd = 0.531) and felt confident that they were learning skills needed to perform safely in a clinical setting (m = 4.32, sd = 0.520). Students agreed that the educational best practices of active learning, collaboration, diverse ways of learning, and high expectations (m = 4.26, sd = 0.596) were met. Evaluation of the simulation design revealed that students agreed that objectives and information were clearly given and met, they felt supported during the learning process, problem-solving skills were enhanced, feedback and guided reflection aided in the learning process, and the scenario resembled real life (m = 4.41, sd = 0.513).

Conclusion: Students were able to significantly increase their dosage calculation scores in a learning environment that they found to be satisfying, realistic, and beneficial to the development of problem-solving and judgment skills.

Authors

Jaclynn S. Huse

Author Details

Jaclynn S. Huse, PhD, RN, CNE

Sigma Membership

Rho Iota

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

N/A

Research Approach

Quantitative Research

Keywords:

Dosage Calculation Skills, Simulation, Education

Conference Name

24th International Nursing Research Congress

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

Prague, Czech Republic

Conference Year

2013

Rights Holder

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All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository.

All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.

Review Type

Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

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Adding up to patient safety: Utilizing simulation as an educational strategy to enhance dosage calculation skills in fundamental level nursing students

Prague, Czech Republic

Session presented on: Monday, July 22, 2013:

Purpose: The purpose of this 2012 study was to determine the effectiveness of implementing Polya's Four Phases of Problem-Solving into simulation in order to evaluate mean dosage calculation test scores and self-perceived judgment in dosage calculation skills in fundamental nursing students. In addition, levels of satisfaction, self-confidence in learning, best educational practices, and satisfaction with the simulation design were measured utilizing the NLN 5-point Likert scaled tools.

Methods: A quantitative pre-test/post-test design was utilized to measure the effectiveness of high-fidelity simulation on an intact group of fundamental AS level nursing students (n = 77).

Results: Results revealed that fundamental students performed significantly better on the post-test (m = 8.77, sd = 0.83) than the pre-test (m = 6.60, sd = 19.4) after attending a simulation experiment (t(76) = -10.561, p < .000). Dosage calculation items that were perceived to be highly illogical-neutral were more likely to be incorrect, however, these items were significantly improved by the post-test. Students were satisfied with the simulation experience (m = 4.55, sd = 0.531) and felt confident that they were learning skills needed to perform safely in a clinical setting (m = 4.32, sd = 0.520). Students agreed that the educational best practices of active learning, collaboration, diverse ways of learning, and high expectations (m = 4.26, sd = 0.596) were met. Evaluation of the simulation design revealed that students agreed that objectives and information were clearly given and met, they felt supported during the learning process, problem-solving skills were enhanced, feedback and guided reflection aided in the learning process, and the scenario resembled real life (m = 4.41, sd = 0.513).

Conclusion: Students were able to significantly increase their dosage calculation scores in a learning environment that they found to be satisfying, realistic, and beneficial to the development of problem-solving and judgment skills.