The effectiveness of simulation-based education on nurses’ performance in pediatric basic life support: An interventional study

Background: Mastering basic life support (BLS) algorithms is essential for effectively responding to emergencies and saving lives. However, research indicates that learners often retain BLS skills poorly, even immediately after completing educational courses. These deficiencies are attributed to the quantity and type of training received. Additionally, studies present inconsistent findings regarding the effectiveness of simulation-based BLS training.Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of simulation-based education on nurses’ performance in Pediatric Basic Life Support (PBLS).Methods: An interventional pretest-posttest study was conducted with 50 nurses from pediatric wards in two general hospitals in Al-Najaf City, Iraq, from September 16, 2023, to January 20, 2024. A convenience sample of 50 nurses was randomly assigned to two groups of 25, designated as the intervention and control groups. The intervention group participated in a simulation-based educational program, while the control group received no intervention. Both groups' PBLS skills were assessed before the intervention and one month after its conclusion. Data were collected using a socio-demographic information sheet and a PBLS skills assessment checklist. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t- test, independent t-test, Fisher’s exact test, chi-square tests, and ANOVA with SPSS software.Results: At baseline, only 16% of nurses in the intervention group demonstrated proficient BLS skills. By the end of the study, this figure increased to 80% in the same group. In contrast, no significant changes were observed in the performance of the control group. A significant difference (P<0.01) was noted between pretest and posttest scores in the intervention group, while the control group showed no significant differences (P>0.05).Conclusion: The simulation-based training program significantly improved nurses' PBLS skills, equipping them to effectively resuscitate children experiencing cardiac arrest. It is recommended that simulation be utilized as an active approach to enhance nurses' PBLS competencies.