Evaluation of the Effect of Simulation-Based Training Provided to Nurses in the Hospital Environment on Child Neglect and Abuse: Quasi-Experimental Research

Abstract

Background: Child neglect and abuse are major public health concerns, and nurses play a critical role in early recognition. Simulation-based training is a promising method to strengthen knowledge and preparedness. Methods: This quasi-experimental pretest-posttest study was conducted with 20 nurses working in a pediatric emergency unit of a state hospital between March and April 2024. Data were collected using a socio-demographic form and the "Scale for Determining the Knowledge Level of Nurses and Midwives in Diagnosing the Symptoms and Risks of Child Abuse and Neglect." Nurses participated in simulation-based training with a structured scenario, followed by debriefing and posttest. Results: Knowledge scores significantly increased after training, particularly in recognizing physical and behavioral symptoms of abuse. However, improvements were limited in identifying children at higher risk of neglect and abuse. Conclusion: Simulation-based training enhances nurses' knowledge of child abuse recognition and should be integrated into nursing education and in-service programs to improve clinical preparedness. (c) 2026 International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights are reserved, including those for text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.