Improving nursing students’ preparedness for opioid-related care through high-fidelity simulation: A mixed-methods study

IF 2.5 Q2 NURSING

Teaching and Learning in Nursing Pub Date : 2026-10-01 Epub Date: 2026-06-18 DOI:10.1016/j.teln.2026.05.031

Amanda M. Girardi PhD, RN, CNE, Galen Ziegler MS, RN, CMSRN, CNE

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Opioid use disorder (OUD) frequently leads to hospitalization due to overdose and injury-related events in the United States, yet many nursing students report feeling unprepared to care for this population. Simulation-based learning may help address this gap; thus, this study evaluated the impact of high-fidelity simulation on nursing students’ perceived preparedness to care for patients with OUD.

Methods

A quasi-experimental mixed-methods study was conducted with 57 associate-degree nursing students who completed pre- and post-simulation surveys. Students were assigned to a standardized patient (SP) (n = 46) or a manikin group (n = 11). Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Qualitative reflections underwent thematic analysis.

Results

Students showed significant improvement across all survey items (p < 0.01), with moderate-to-large effect sizes (Cohen’s d = 0.42–0.85, M = 0.69). Scores rose from a mean of 4.01 to 4.48. While group differences were not statistically significant, SP participants trended with higher post-simulation mean scores. Qualitative analysis revealed two major themes.

Conclusions

Simulation improved students’ perceived preparedness to care for patients with OUD. Findings support integrating simulation into curricula to address the opioid crisis.

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通过高保真模拟提高护生对阿片类药物相关护理的准备：一项混合方法研究

背景：在美国，阿片类药物使用障碍（OUD）经常因过量使用和伤害相关事件而导致住院，然而许多护理专业的学生报告说，他们对照顾这一人群感到毫无准备。基于模拟的学习可能有助于解决这一差距；因此，本研究评估了高保真度模拟对护生护理OUD患者感知准备程度的影响。方法采用准实验混合方法对57名大专护生进行模拟前后问卷调查。学生被分为标准化患者（SP）组（n = 46）和人体模型组（n = 11）。定量数据采用描述性统计和推理统计进行分析。定性反思进行了专题分析。结果学生在所有调查项目上都有显著的改善（p < 0.01），具有中等到较大的效应量（Cohen’s d = 0.42-0.85, M = 0.69）。平均分从4.01上升到4.48。虽然组间差异无统计学意义，但SP参与者的模拟后平均得分较高。定性分析揭示了两个主要主题。结论模拟提高了学生对OUD患者护理的感知准备程度。研究结果支持将模拟纳入课程，以解决阿片类药物危机。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Teaching and Learning in Nursing NURSING-

CiteScore

2.60

自引率

10.50%

发文量

119

审稿时长

37 days

期刊介绍： Teaching and Learning in Nursing is the Official Journal of the National Organization of Associate Degree Nursing. The journal is dedicated to the advancement of Associate Degree Nursing education and practice, and promotes collaboration in charting the future of health care education and delivery. Topics include: - Managing Different Learning Styles - New Faculty Mentoring - Legal Issues - Research - Legislative Issues - Instructional Design Strategies - Leadership, Management Roles - Unique Funding for Programs and Faculty