Effectiveness of In Situ Simulation in Determining Nursing Students’ Perceived Level of Communication Skills While Using Personal Protective Equipment

Abstract

Introduction

During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) was a necessary infection control measure while treating COVID-19-positive patients. However, healthcare professionals’ use of PPE can be a barrier to therapeutic communication.

Material and methods

This mixed methods study aimed to evaluate nursing students’ perceived level of communication skills while using PPE (gown/mask/eye protection or face shield) during the care of COVID-19 patients and their levels of satisfaction and self-confidence in learning in the in situ simulation environment. This study was conducted among a population of senior nursing students in a university in Istanbul (N = 81). The sample comprised students who volunteered to participate (n = 35). Quantitative data were collected using a communication skills assessment form and the Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale. Qualitative data were collected with a semi-structured form in debriefing sessions.

Results

According to both self and standardized patient (SP) ratings of the students’ therapeutic communication techniques while using PPE, the highest scores were for active listening and providing information. In self-ratings of non-therapeutic communication, the highest scores were for minimizing feelings, changing the subject, and giving false assurances. The study revealed significant differences in the perceived effectiveness of therapeutic communication techniques, including active listening (t = 3.182; p = .002), focusing (t = 3.004; p = .004), and voicing doubts (t = -3.333; p = .001), as well as non-therapeutic communication techniques, including giving false assurances (t = 3.293; p = .002), giving advice (t = 3.097; p = .004), challenging (t = 3.031; p = .005), and being defensive (t = 2.753; p = .009), among standardized patients and students. Scores for satisfaction and self-confidence in learning were 4.48 ± 0.83 and 4.42 ± 0.76, respectively.

Conclusions

The levels of communication skills perceived by the nursing students and SP were similar. Students reported high satisfaction and self-confidence in learning from the in-situ simulation. There is little research on the evaluation of communication skills while using PPE in the literature. This study helps fill that gap and may guide communication and simulation-based learning studies.