The Impact of Simulation-based Education on Nursing Students’ Learning and Ethical Sensitivity: A Quasi-experimental Follow-up Study

OpenAlex English

Objective: Simulation technologies have become integral in healthcare education, enhancing nursing students' learning experiences by allowing them to engage in realistic scenarios without risking patient safety.This study was conducted to investigate the effects of simulation-based education on nursing students' learning outcomes and ethical sensitivity.Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed.Forty-five first-year nursing students participated in a three-week simulation program, which included vital sign assessment and medication administration scenarios.Data collection involved pre-tests, post-tests, and follow-up assessments made using the Evaluation of Learning through Simulation Scale and the Adapted Ethical Sensitivity Scale.Statistical analyses were performed on the SPSS, with significance set at p<0.05.Results: Significant improvements were observed in simulation-based learning scores immediately after training and one month later (p<0.05).However, no significant differences were noted in ethical sensitivity scores across assessments (p=0.85).Conclusion: While simulation-based education markedly improves learning outcomes, its impact on ethical sensitivity remains limited.Integration of ethical training with simulation practices is essential so that a comprehensive nursing education can be fostered and students can develop both technical competencies and ethical awareness.