Enhancing Patient Safety Through Simulation-Based Training: A Quasi-Experimental Study Among Nursing Students

Abstract

Introduction: Patient safety is a vital component of quality nursing care. Nursing students often lack real-time clinical exposure to high-risk scenarios. Simulation-based training offers a safe, controlled environment to develop essential skills and confidence in managing patient safety issues before encountering them in actual clinical settings. Methodology: This quasi-experimental study used a single-group pre-test/post-test design involving 28 final-year nursing students. Participants underwent simulation-based training covering medication safety, fall prevention, communication (SBAR), and early patient deterioration. Knowledge, confidence, and simulation performance were assessed using validated tools before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Post-intervention scores significantly improved across all domains. Knowledge scores increased from a mean of 12.18 (SD = 2.11) to 16.89 (SD = 1.47); confidence scores rose from 24.75 (SD = 4.06) to 33.21 (SD = 3.88); and simulation performance improved from 18.32 (SD = 3.25) to 26.54 (SD = 2.79), all with p-values < 0.001. These results highlight the positive impact of simulation in enhancing theoretical understanding, self-efficacy, and practical patient safety skills among nursing students. Conclusion: Simulation-based training significantly enhances nursing students’ readiness to manage patient safety challenges. The intervention effectively improved knowledge, confidence, and performance. These findings support integrating simulation into nursing curricula as a proactive approach to developing competent, safety-conscious professionals. Future studies should explore long-term retention and compare different simulation modalities for optimizing educational outcomes.