Updating the Simulation Effectiveness Tool: Item Modifications and Reevaluation of Psychometric Properties

Abstract

AIM This study evaluated the psychometric properties of the modified Simulation Effectiveness Tool (SET), the SET‐M. BACKGROUND The SET, developed in 2005, was updated to be consistent with INACSL Standards of Best Practice, QSEN practices, and American Association of Colleges of Nursing baccalaureate essentials. METHOD Undergraduate nursing students from two nursing programs, one with multiple campuses, completed the SET‐M following completion of a simulated clinical experience; 1,288 students took part in the study. RESULTS Exploratory factor analysis was completed using unweighted least squares. Four subscales were identified with acceptable internal consistency: Prebriefing (&agr; = .833), Learning (&agr; = .852), Confidence (&agr; = .913), and Debriefing (&agr; = .908). CONCLUSION Revisions made to modify the SET to current standards of simulation practice have resulted in the SET‐M, which has been shown to be a valid and reliable method of evaluating students’ perceptions of the effectiveness of learning in the simulation environment.