The effects of screen-based simulation on nursing students’ acquisition of medication administration and dosage calculation skills: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Abstract 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.

Keywords

• Drug dosage calculations
• Medication administration procedure
• Nursing students
• OSCE
• Screen-based simulation
• Virtual simulation