Concept Note
Title:
Effectiveness of Simulation Training on Knowledge and Competence of Nursing Students in
Copper-T Insertion Procedure
Background:
Copper-T (Cu-T) intrauterine device insertion is a critical skill in reproductive health
nursing. Competency in this procedure ensures safer patient care, effective contraception
counseling, and reduced complications. Traditional didactic teaching may not adequately
develop practical skills. Simulation-based training offers a risk-free environment for
students to build knowledge and hands-on competence. The increasing emphasis on
evidence-based teaching methods calls for studies evaluating the effectiveness of simulation
training in nursing education.
Research Question:
Does simulation-based training improve the knowledge and competence of nursing
students in performing Copper-T insertion compared to conventional teaching methods?
Problem Statement:
Despite theoretical exposure, nursing students often lack confidence and competence in
practical skills such as Copper-T insertion. There is a need to assess whether simulation
training can enhance both knowledge and skill performance in reproductive health
procedures.
Population:
Undergraduate nursing students (final year BSc Nursing)
Research Approach:
Quantitative approach (with potential qualitative observations)
Research Design:
Quasi-experimental pre-test/post-test design with control group
Setting:
College of Nursing with access to skills lab and clinical simulation facility
Sampling Technique:
Purposive sampling
Sample Size:
60 nursing students (30 experimental group, 30 control group)
Inclusion Criteria:
- Final-year nursing students
- Willing to participate
- Not previously trained in Cu-T insertion in simulation lab
Exclusion Criteria:
- Students with prior clinical Cu-T insertion experience
- Unwilling to provide informed consent
Intervention:
None (Control group will receive standard lectures; experimental group will undergo
simulation training)
Measurement Tool:
1. Structured Knowledge Questionnaire on Cu-T insertion (validated, pre- and post-
intervention)
2. Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) checklist to assess skill competency
Quantitative Data:
- Pre- and post-test scores (knowledge questionnaire)
- OSCE performance scores
Qualitative Data:
- Observational feedback during simulation (optional)
- Student reflections (optional)
Comparison/Control:
Control group receives only traditional teaching (lecture and demonstration), without
simulation training
Outcome:
- Improved knowledge score post-intervention
- Increased competency (measured via OSCE) in simulation group vs. control group
Time Frame:
| Phase | Activity |
|-------|----------|
| Month 1 | Review of literature, tool preparation, ethical clearance |
| Months 2–4 | Data collection (pre-test, intervention, post-test) |
| Month 5 | Data analysis, interpretation, report writing |
Research References (Harvard Style, >10):
1. Jeffries, P.R., 2012. Simulation in Nursing Education: From Conceptualization to
Evaluation. 2nd ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
2. Hayden, J.K., Smiley, R.A., Alexander, M., Kardong-Edgren, S. and Jeffries, P.R., 2014. The
NCSBN National Simulation Study. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 5(2), pp.S1-S64.
3. Cant, R.P. and Cooper, S.J., 2010. Simulation-based learning in nurse education. Journal of
Advanced Nursing, 66(1), pp.3-15.
4. Al-Elq, A.H., 2010. Simulation-based medical teaching and learning. Journal of Family and
Community Medicine, 17(1), p.35.
5. Issenberg, S.B., et al., 2005. Features and uses of high-fidelity simulations. Medical
Teacher, 27(1), pp.10-28.
6. Kaddoura, M.A., 2010. New graduate nurses’ perceptions of simulation. Journal of
Continuing Education in Nursing, 41(11), pp.506-516.
7. Shah, S. and Foster, S., 2015. Student nurses’ simulation experiences. Nurse Education
Today, 35(4), pp.581-585.
8. Omer, T., 2016. Nursing students’ perceptions of simulation experience. Journal of
Education and Practice, 7(5), pp.131-138.
9. Ravert, P., 2008. Patient simulation in nursing education. Journal of Nursing Education,
47(11), pp.508-513.
10. Gaba, D.M., 2004. The future vision of simulation in healthcare. Quality and Safety in
Health Care, 13(suppl 1), pp.i2-i10.
11. National League for Nursing, 2015. Simulation Innovation Resource Center. [online]
Available at: https://www.nln.org [Accessed 30 Apr. 2025].
