An analysis of the effectiveness of different simulation techniques used for the vital signs measurement skill training given to the first grade students of nursing department

This is a quasi-experimental study aimed at analysing how the use of standard patients and high validity simulation techniques in nursing skills training effects the performance in the vital signs measurement skills training the level of student satisfaction with simulation design and simulation techniques and their self-confidence in learning. The research universe consisted of first grade students registered for the course on Basic Nursing Principles and Applications in the Faculty of Medical Sciences in Sakarya University in 2017-2018 Academic -year and the research group consisted of 60 volunteer students (30: standard patient group, 30: high validity simulation group) selected from among this universe. In the research, vital signs measurement skill was practiced by the students in the standard patient group working on the standard patients and by the students in the high validity simulation group working on the high validity simulator. The difference between the categorical variables within two groups was analysed using Mann Whitney U test. According to the findings in our study, students practicing with standard patients when acquiring the vital signs measurement skill had statistically significantly higher median scores in the student satisfaction in learning and self-confidence scale. (p<0.001). The median scores in the problem solving subdimension and the authenticity/reality subdimension of the simulation design scale were higher in the group of students working on standard patients than those working on high validity mannequin and the difference between the two was statistically significant. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups with regard to the median scores in the skill assessment forms prepared for the vital signs measurement skill. Based on the results of this study, it is recommended to use standard patients when giving training to nurses. Key Words: Nursing, Nursing Education, Simulation, Standard Patient, High Validity Mannequin