The Effect of Standardized Patient Simulation Prior to Mental Health Rotation on Nursing Students’ Anxiety and Communication Skills

Abstract

Mental health clinical practices may be a source of anxiety for nursing students. Anxiety may have a negative impact not only on learning but also on therapeutic relationships with patients. This study was conducted with a semiexperimental pretest-posttest control group design. The sample of the study consisted of nursing students from two different universities (N = 85). After theoretical lectures for the intervention and control groups, the intervention group participated in a standardized patient simulation. After this, the intervention group had decreased anxiety and improved communication skills. In conclusion, prior to mental health clinical practices, standardized patient simulation may help nursing students gain experience.