Abstract

This pilot study evaluates the impact of high-fidelity pediatric simulation training on nursing students’ communication skills related to antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) with caregivers and families. The research focuses on developing and testing a simulation lab to enhance students’ decision-making, patient education, and therapeutic communication in AMS contexts. Using a quasi-experimental design, pre- and post-simulation surveys assessed effectiveness, with the Simulation Effectiveness Tool - Modified (SET-M) by Leighton et al. (2015) as the post-survey measure. Conducted over three months in the Northeastern United States, the study involved 103 pediatric prelicensure nursing students, with over 95% affirming enhanced communication abilities and confidence in discussing AMS. The findings underscore high-fidelity simulation as a valuable educational tool in nursing, helping future nurses address pediatric antimicrobial resistance. The realism of these simulations supports students in handling complex clinical situations. Further research should investigate the long-term effects of AMS-focused simulation training on clinical practice and patient outcomes.

Notes

References:

INACSL (2021). Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice®. International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning. https://www.inacsl.org/healthcare-simulation-standards

Johnson, C., Nordby, A., Brage Hudson, D., Struwe, L., & Ruppert, R. (2023). Quality Improvement: Antimicrobial Stewardship in Pediatric Primary Care. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 70, 54–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2023.02.002

Kim, E., Song, S., & Kim, S. (2023). Development of pediatric simulation-based education – A systematic review. BMC Nursing, 22(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-023-01458-8

Klatte, J. M. (2020). Pediatric antimicrobial stewardship programs: Current perspectives. Pediatric Health, Medicine and Therapeutics, Volume 11, 245–255. https://doi.org/10.2147/phmt.s224774

Leighton, K., Ravert, P., Mudra, V., & Macintosh, C. (2015). Updating the Simulation Effectiveness Tool: Item modifications and reevaluation of psychometric properties. Nursing Education Perspectives, 36 (5), 317-323.

Mulyadi, M., Tonapa, S. I., Rompas, S. S., Wang, R.-H., & Lee, B.-O. (2021). Effects of simulation technology-based learning on nursing students’ learning outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of experimental studies. Nurse Education Today, 107, 105127. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2021.105127

Description

High-fidelity simulation training significantly enhanced nursing students' communication skills in pediatric antimicrobial stewardship. This study highlights the importance of simulation-based education in improving the confidence and competence of future nurses in discussing antibiotic use with caregivers, contributing to efforts in combating antimicrobial resistance.

Author Details

Sierra Gage, BSN, RN; Rita Drummond Olans, DNP, CPNP-PC, SNP, FNAP, FAAN; Maureen Hillier, DNP, RN, CCRN, CHSE

Sigma Membership

Upsilon Lambda

Type

Poster

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Quasi-Experimental Study, Other

Research Approach

Pilot/Exploratory Study

Keywords:

Simulation, Coaching, Competence, Communication Skills, Nursing Students

Conference Name

36th International Nursing Research Congress

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

Seattle, Washington, USA

Conference Year

2025

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.

Review Type

Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

Click on the above link to access the poster.

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Enhancing Nursing Student's Communication Skills for Antimicrobial Stewardship Via Simulation

Seattle, Washington, USA

This pilot study evaluates the impact of high-fidelity pediatric simulation training on nursing students’ communication skills related to antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) with caregivers and families. The research focuses on developing and testing a simulation lab to enhance students’ decision-making, patient education, and therapeutic communication in AMS contexts. Using a quasi-experimental design, pre- and post-simulation surveys assessed effectiveness, with the Simulation Effectiveness Tool - Modified (SET-M) by Leighton et al. (2015) as the post-survey measure. Conducted over three months in the Northeastern United States, the study involved 103 pediatric prelicensure nursing students, with over 95% affirming enhanced communication abilities and confidence in discussing AMS. The findings underscore high-fidelity simulation as a valuable educational tool in nursing, helping future nurses address pediatric antimicrobial resistance. The realism of these simulations supports students in handling complex clinical situations. Further research should investigate the long-term effects of AMS-focused simulation training on clinical practice and patient outcomes.