The effect of using two different simulation techniques in kangaroo care training on the nursing students knowledge, skills, satisfaction and self-confidence level: A randomized controlled trial

Aim: This randomized controlled study aims to investigate and compare the effects of simulation experience performed with two different simulation methods on nursing students' knowledge, skills, satisfaction with learning, and self-confidence levels regarding kangaroo care at birth. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 56 3rd-year nursing students. The students were randomly allocated into the standardized patient simulation group (n=28) and the low-fidelity simulation group (n=28). "Introductory Information Form," "Kangaroo Care Knowledge Level Evaluation Form," "Kangaroo Care Skill Checklist," "Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale (SCLS)," and "Simulation Design Scale (SDS)" were used to collect research data. Students' knowledge levels were measured before and after the theoretical training on kangaroo care at birth. Then, students in one group practiced kangaroo care at birth with the standardized patient simulation method, and students in the other group practiced kangaroo care at birth with the low-fidelity simulation method. The students' skill levels were evaluated with the "Kangaroo Care Skill Checklist." At the end of the simulation, students in both groups filled out the "Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale" and the "Simulation Design Scale." Results: The findings showed that the theoretical training increased the knowledge level of both groups (p<0.05). The students' knowledge, skill, satisfaction with learning, and self-confidence levels in the standardized patient simulation group were significantly higher than those in the low-fidelity simulation group (p<0.05). Total scale and sub dimension scores regarding the simulation design of the standardized patient simulation group were higher than the low-fidelity simulation group, which indicates their superior satisfaction from the simulation experience (p<0.05). Conclusion: Simulation-based kangaroo care training at birth enhances nursing students' knowledge, skills, satisfaction with learning, and self-confidence. It has been shown that the standardized patient method is a more effective teaching strategy compared to the low-fidelity simulation method. Based on these, expanding the utilization of simulation-based techniques in kangaroo care training is recommended. Keywords: Kangaroo mother care, nursing education, simulation, standardized patient