Abstract

Introduction: Low fidelity simulation is a type of simulation that uses basic equipment and materials to replicate patient scenarios. The promotion of these skills is considered a necessary condition for nursing student performance in the nursing profession. This study assessed the difficulties and effectiveness of low fidelity simulation in teaching practical abilities to nursing students in selected nursing schools in Ibadan. \

Methods: The study utilized a descriptive cross-sectional approach. A technique of random sampling was used to choose 172 respondents. A validated instrument was used for data collection. Analysis was done utilizing SPSS software version 25.0 software. The chi-square test was used in order to test the correlation among variables at a P value ≤0.05.

Findings: The average age of the respondents appeared to be 23.4 ± 2.4 years. Majority (79.1%) of nursing students experienced high effectiveness with low-fidelity simulation in terms of competence development, clinical decision-making, monitoring of patient vitals, and emergency response. However, difficulties were encountered during the use of low-fidelity simulation, including a lack of understanding of accurate clinical judgments concerning actual patients (71.5%), and difficulty in understanding low-fidelity simulation (39.0%). Also, not entirely replicating an actual nursing role decision-making (80.2%) was an identified difficulty. There was no significant relationship association between the socio-demographic variables (years) and the identified difficulties experienced in the use of simplified simulation with reduced accuracy (P= 0.08).

Conclusion: The use of low fidelity simulation is highly effective in nursing education. Nevertheless, nursing students are faced more challenges in comprehending low-fidelity simulation. As a result, there is a requirement for continuous assistance and direction in low-fidelity simulation to enhance the students' understanding.