The Effect of Simulation Application on Midwifery and Nursing Students' Satisfaction And Confidence in Learning

Abstract

The aim of applied and clinical skill-based education in undergraduate midwifery and nursing programs is to enable students to transfer theoretical knowledge into practice and apply it in real-life settings. However, inadequate physical conditions in hospital environments and the lack of comprehensive practice areas negatively impact students' ability to reinforce their practical skills. Simulation-based education has been introduced in the healthcare field to address this issue. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of simulation-based teaching used in the “Principles of Midwifery” and “Principles of Nursing” courses on students' satisfaction and self-confidence in learning. The study was conducted with a single group using a quasi-experimental design. A total of 76 students from the nursing and midwifery departments of a foundation university participated in the study. Data were collected following the standards established by the International Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning Nurses. These standards emphasize designing scenarios with measurable objectives, ensuring active participation through facilitators, and providing preliminary information and feedback. Data collection tools included a participant information form and the Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale specific to simulation education. The results revealed a significant difference between students' satisfaction with the theoretical courses, satisfaction with the simulation practices, perceived benefits of the simulation, and the mean scores in the satisfaction sub-dimension. However, no significant difference was found in the self-confidence in learning sub-dimension mean scores based on demographic variables, students' departments, or their opinions about simulation practices. Overall, the findings demonstrated that students' mean scores in the satisfaction and self-confidence sub-dimensions, as well as total scale scores, were high. Simulation practices had a positive impact on the satisfaction and self-confidence of nursing and midwifery students in their learning process.

Key Words: Midwifery, nursing, simulation, satisfaction, self-confidence.