Comparative Study of Knowledge Acquisition, Satisfaction, Self-Confidence and Perceived Support in Nursing Students Experiencing Simulation Versus Clinical Placement in Perinatal Care

Abstract

The aim of this study was to compare nursing students experiencing simulations (SIM group) (n = 25) versus clinical placement (CPG) (n = 55) in perinatal care. Questionnaires on satisfaction, self-confidence, and perceived support were completed by both groups. Knowledge acquisition was assessed using standardized course evaluation. The Student’s t-test showed that differences between groups were not statistically significant for knowledge acquisition and satisfaction, while they were statistically significant for self-confidence and perceived support with higher scores in the CPG group. This study contributes to knowledge development since few have compared simulations as a learning method to replace totally clinical placement. Findings support the simulations as an appropriate method for students’ knowledge acquisition and satisfaction in a perinatal care course, but more studies are needed for generalization.