Fatima Zahra Mahou, Guillaume Decormeille, Omaima Changuiti, Mohammed Mouhaoui, Asmae Khattabi
BACKGROUND: Screen-based simulation is a cost-effective educational modality that allows nursing students to comfortably acquire new skills as they become accustomed to digital environments. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a screen-based simulation tool in enhancing knowledge and skills related to medication administration and dosage calculation in nursing students.
METHODS: This multicenter, single-blind, stratified, randomized controlled trial initially enrolled 480 nursing students. The 351 students eligibles were randomly allocated to two groups. Using a screen-based simulation tool (SIMDOSE), the intervention group was trained in drug administration and dosage calculation through four perfusion clinical cases. The control group underwent the same training content using the paper-and-pencil method. knowledge and skills acquisition, Students' satisfaction, self-confidence and anxiety were analyzed using Jamovi software (version 2.3.18).
RESULTS: 4 out of 5 main variables examined were significantly different, specifically in dosage calculation, where the simulation group excelled both in the knowledge post-test (post - pre = 1.00 (20%); p = 0.004) and in the objective structured clinical examination (p = 0.013). The intervention group reported higher levels of satisfaction and self-confidence than the control group (p < 0.001). Their moderate anxiety levels didn't differ significantly (0.161).
CONCLUSION: The SIMDOSE platform can be used as a supplementary teaching method of dosage calculation for nursing students. Screen-based simulation has benefits that nurse educators should be aware of, such as being a key to more satisfied and confident students.
TRIAL REGISTRATION: This Moroccan clinical trial was prospectively registered (16/05/2023) in the Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (pactr.samrc.ac.za) with trial registration number PACTR202305505743210.
