Evaluation of the Use of Diverse Mental Health Simulation in Nursing Students' Learning Experience <i>an International Multisite Study</I>

Abstract

Background: Simulated patients (SPs) in mental health nursing education provide a unique approach to assist student development in complex assessment skills. Purpose: The purpose of this international multisite study was to evaluate the use of two diverse mental health SP simulation scenarios on nursing students' satisfaction and self-confidence in learning to care for patients with mental health disorders in the United States (n = 70) and Turkey (n = 90). Methods: A multisite cross-sectional study design was used. Outcome measures included the Student Satisfaction and Self-confidence in Learning Scale and the adapted Simulation Effectiveness Tool Modified. Results were analyzed using independent I tests. Results: While students in the United States reported higher perceived self-confidence and satisfaction in learning, both student populations found the intervention effective to their learning (P<.05). Conclusion: Using SPs in mental health education allow students to practice their assessment skills learned in classroom and transfer them to the clinical area.