The effects of high-fidelity simulation training on emotional intelligence in undergraduate nursing students: A prepost intervention study

• Nursing practice requires adequate management of one's and patients’ emotions. • Emotional intelligence levels improved after our high-fidelity simulation training. • Emotional intelligence is essential to provide and ensure quality nursing care. Nurses form and maintain relationships within emotionally charged environments. Consequently, nursing practice requires adequate management of emotions. To evaluate the impact of high-fidelity simulation training on nursing students’ emotional intelligence (EI). About 202 first-year students participated in a quasi-experimental study using a longitudinal design with a single group pre- and postintervention evaluation. Their EI levels were compared at baseline and after the simulation experience using the Trait Meta-Mood Scale – 24 (TMMS-24). A structured debriefing phase was specifically designed to analyze and reflect on nursing students’ emotions, those of the patient, and their partner during the five simulated scenarios. Nursing students significantly improved their EI levels after the simulation sessions. The effect size was medium for the total score of the TMMS-24 and the "emotional clarity" dimension, whereas this effect was small for the "emotional attention" and "emotional repair" dimensions. High-fidelity simulation training allows nursing students to improve their EI levels when they have opportunities to interact with simulated patients and participate in a structured debriefing phase aimed at reflecting on emotions.