Other Titles
Introducing the Sim Comp Tool for Enhanced Simulation-Based Learning: Advancing Competency-Based Nursing Simulation [Title Slide]
Abstract
Background: Simulation-based learning experiences allow undergraduate nursing students to develop competence and confidence through deliberate practice with immediate feedback on the learner's performance. As nursing education shifts towards a competency-based framework, faculty require robust tools to evaluate student performance in simulation settings effectively. The purpose of this Delphi study was to develop the SimComp Tool – a competency-based evaluation tool aligned with the AACN (2021) Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education.
Methods: Utilizing the Delphi technique, we engaged a diverse panel of experts to refine and reach consensus on competency-based simulation evaluations. Panelists rated aggregated responses using a Likert scale and open-ended feedback. Open-ended questions were analyzed using traditional content analysis methods, while quantitative data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 27.
Results: Despite the varied backgrounds and experiences of the expert panel, a consensus of 80% was achieved after four rounds, identifying 111 critical items for assessing competency in simulation-based learning. These items were systematically categorized by domains and observable behaviors, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation framework.
Conclusion: This study addresses a significant gap in the literature regarding competency-based simulation evaluations for nursing, presenting a call to action for institutions to adopt and enhance simulation methodologies. By incorporating expert insights, we lay the groundwork for developing a competency-based tool for nursing simulation.
Implications for Nursing Practice: Further research is essential for refining the SimComp Tool, ensuring its psychometric validity, and facilitating curriculum integration. The AACN (2021) toolkit will benefit from these simulation resources, ultimately advancing nursing education. Our vision is for the SimComp Tool to transform nursing simulation and practice, fostering a new generation of highly competent and confident nursing professionals.
Notes
References:
American Association of Colleges of Nursing. (2021). The essentials: Core competencies for professional nursing education. Retrieved May 28, 2024.
Arrogante, O., González-Romero, G. M., López-Torre, E. M., Carrión-García, L., & Polo, A. (2021). Comparing formative and summative simulation-based assessment in undergraduate nursing students: Nursing competency acquisition and clinical simulation satisfaction. BMC Nursing, 20, 92.
Cole, H. (2023). Competency-based evaluations in undergraduate nursing simulation: A state of the literature. Clinical Simulation in Nursing, 76, 1-16.
Kavanagh, J. M., & Sharpnack, P. A. (2021). Crisis in competency: A defining moment in nursing education. The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 26(2).
Welch, T. D., & Smith, T. B. (2022). AACN essentials as the conceptual thread of nursing education. Nursing Administration Quarterly, 46, 234–244.
Sigma Membership
Epsilon Omega
Type
Presentation
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Other
Research Approach
Mixed/Multi Method Research
Keywords:
Competence, Simulation, Teaching and Learning Strategies, SimComp Tool
Recommended Citation
Cole, Heather S.; Lippe, Megan P.; and Guerra, Donna, "The SimComp Tool for Simulation-Based Learning: Advancing Competency-Based Nursing Simulation" (2025). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 139.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2025/presentations_2025/139
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
The SimComp Tool for Simulation-Based Learning: Advancing Competency-Based Nursing Simulation
Seattle, Washington, USA
Background: Simulation-based learning experiences allow undergraduate nursing students to develop competence and confidence through deliberate practice with immediate feedback on the learner's performance. As nursing education shifts towards a competency-based framework, faculty require robust tools to evaluate student performance in simulation settings effectively. The purpose of this Delphi study was to develop the SimComp Tool – a competency-based evaluation tool aligned with the AACN (2021) Essentials: Core Competencies for Professional Nursing Education.
Methods: Utilizing the Delphi technique, we engaged a diverse panel of experts to refine and reach consensus on competency-based simulation evaluations. Panelists rated aggregated responses using a Likert scale and open-ended feedback. Open-ended questions were analyzed using traditional content analysis methods, while quantitative data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 27.
Results: Despite the varied backgrounds and experiences of the expert panel, a consensus of 80% was achieved after four rounds, identifying 111 critical items for assessing competency in simulation-based learning. These items were systematically categorized by domains and observable behaviors, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation framework.
Conclusion: This study addresses a significant gap in the literature regarding competency-based simulation evaluations for nursing, presenting a call to action for institutions to adopt and enhance simulation methodologies. By incorporating expert insights, we lay the groundwork for developing a competency-based tool for nursing simulation.
Implications for Nursing Practice: Further research is essential for refining the SimComp Tool, ensuring its psychometric validity, and facilitating curriculum integration. The AACN (2021) toolkit will benefit from these simulation resources, ultimately advancing nursing education. Our vision is for the SimComp Tool to transform nursing simulation and practice, fostering a new generation of highly competent and confident nursing professionals.
Description
This Delphi study developed the SimComp Tool, a competency-based evaluation tool for nursing simulations, aligned with AACN's 2021 Core Competencies. Through expert consensus, the study identified 111 essential items for assessing simulation-based learning, providing a framework for advancing competency-based nursing education and future curriculum integration.