Effect of the screen based computer simulation on knowledge and skill in nursing students? learning of the preoperative and postoperative care management

The first stage of the research, Clinical Decision Making in Nursing Scale was adapted into Turkish for using to the experimental stage of the research. A second stage of this research examined the effect of screen-based computer simulation on knowledge, skill and the clinical decision-making process in teaching preoperative and postoperative care management to second-year students in an undergraduate school of nursing. It is a randomized controlled study. The study sample was composed of 82 students. They received education in screen-based computer simulation (n=41) and skill laboratories (n=41). Three instruments were used: a preoperative and postoperative care management cognitive level assessment test, skill control lists of preoperative and postoperative care management, and the Clinical Decision Making in Nursing Scale. Whether there was a difference between the groups was tested by a t-test for independent samples. There was not a significant difference between the students? post-education knowledge levels (p=0.421), practical deep breathing and coughing exercise education skills (p=0.867), clinical decision-making scale total and subscale scores (p=0.065). However, a significant difference was found between the admission of the patient in the surgical clinic after surgery skill scores of the students p=0.04).In the third stage of the research, we aimed to identify the views, perceptions and recommendations of undergraduate nursing students about screen-based computer simulation on preoperative and postoperative care management in this qualitative study. We conducted two focus group interviews with 24 nursing students. We analyzed the data using content analysis. We identified five main themes: learning, practice, barriers, attraction, and recommendations.According to the results of quantitative and qualitative research, education provided in the screen-based computer simulation is equivalent to that provided in the skill laboratory. By teaching our country with simulation preoperative and postoperative care, an example created in nursing for education of complexities situation. To solve lack of educator numbers, inadequate learning enviroment and teaching complex issues, managers and educators should be responsible using possibilities of techonology.Key words: Nursing; Nursing Students; Screen-based Computer Simulation; Preoperative Care; Postoperative Care; Randomized Controlled Study; Qualitative Research