Implementation and Evaluation of HOME Health Simulation to Improve PRE-Licensure Bachelor of Science Nursing Students' Learning: An Action Research Study

This action-based research study used a descriptive triangulation process, which included quantitative and qualitative methods to analyze nursing students’ perceptions of learning using home health simulation in a community health course for a BSN nursing program. The simulation included a home health simulation with a high-fidelity mannequin. The study was performed at a private, proprietary 36-month baccalaureate (pre-licensure) nursing program. The research study was introduced to students in the community health course during the Spring and Summer quarters of 2013. The data collection in this study includes measurements from pre- and post-survey questionnaires, observations during the simulation process, and focus group interviews related to the home health simulation experience and the home health nursing role. The instruments focused on the Quality Safety and Education in Nursing (QSEN) competencies of patient-centered care, safety, teamwork/collaboration, evidence-based practice, and quality improvement. The Mann Whitney U test was completed on the June and August cohorts to identify any statistically significant differences between the groups’ experience. Thematic coding was analyzed from the focus group interviews to identity patterns in student learning in the home health nursing role and setting. The conclusion is that the implementation of home health simulation can enhance student learning and better prepare them for the required competencies of a graduate nurse.