The value of simulation debriefing in launching reduced anxiety and improved self-confidence in the clinical setting for accelerated baccalaureate nursing students

Abstract

Background and objective: The development of self-confidence is an essential element of a nurse in the clinical setting. Nursing educators discuss the addition of simulation and debriefing into learning activities, which play a central role in identifying the fundamental elements of safety and clinical efficiency.

Methods: Quality and Safety Education for Nurses (QSEN) competencies are used to examine the data supporting the effectiveness of simulation debriefing in nursing students registered in a fast-tracked baccalaureate program. This novel approach allows one to quantitatively measure the relationship between simulation debriefing, self-confidence and reduced anxiety.

Results: Univariate Spearman Rho regression displays a significant positive correlation between reduced anxiety, self-confidence, and debriefing. The feedback received is encouraging, productive, and effective to learning. Logistic multivariate regression reveals debriefing mechanisms predict developing self-confidence and reducing anxiety, allowing the likeness on student’s clinical judgement and methodology to patient care (χ² = 34.249, p = .011), sufficient time being provided to reflect and review clinical performance (χ² = 0.68, p = .30) and identifying the justification for the actions and responses (χ² = 119.365, p = .001).

Conclusions: Debriefing is a central element that can be applied as a teaching strategy during simulation. This study offers further understanding of the role of debriefing in enhancing self-confidence and reducing anxiety in nursing students. This is a critical learning component and ought to be applicably focused in nursing education.