The effectiveness of high-fidelity simulation methods to gain Foley catheterization knowledge, skills, satisfaction and self-confidence among novice nursing students: A randomized controlled trial

Background: The use of high-fidelity simulation (HFS) methods provides probable benefits and advantages for nursing students to retain knowledge, acquire skills, improve satisfaction, and gain self-confidence in a safe, realistic and supportive environment. Objectives: To evaluate the effect of HFS methods to develop Foley catheterization knowledge, skills, satisfaction and self-confidence among novice nursing students when compared to low-fidelity simulation (LFS). The specific aim was to examine the effects of outcome variables between the intervention group and the control group, through multi-group path analysis. Design: A randomized controlled trial was designed. Settings and participants: 80 nursing students were randomly assigned to the HFS group (high-fidelity manikin and scenario) and the LFS group (female catheterization simulator) at a nursing faculty between May and July 2019 in Turkiye. Methods: The intervention group experienced HFS and the control group experienced LFS in order to learn Foley catheterization. Students' knowledge was evaluated before and after the intervention, while affective and psychomotor skills, and satisfaction and self-confidence in learning were evaluated after the intervention. Results: The HFS group had better skill performance and significantly higher self-confidence in learning than the LFS group. While each group had a high level of knowledge, affective skills and satisfaction, there was no significant difference between the groups' mean scores. Conclusions: The HFS and scenario improved the knowledge, affective and psychomotor skills, satisfaction and self-confidence of novice nursing students on Foley catheterization. When compared to LFS, HFS had more advantages for the development of psychomotor skills and self-confidence in learning.