Effect of structured pre-simulation preparation and briefing on student's self-confidence, clinical judgment, and clinical decision-making in simulation.

Background: The importance of preparation and briefing before simulation has been overlooked. A 'think-before-action' strategy is needed in simulation.Purpose: To determine the effect of structured preparation and briefing prior to simulation on nursing students' learning outcomes.Method: In the experimental group, structured pre-simulation preparation and briefing lasted for a total of 35 minutes before simulation. The control group were performed in a conventional manner. Subjects were 80 senior students in one university in Korea (40 students in each group). Data were analyzed using independent t-test.Results: Scores for self-confidence for problem solving (F = 17.414, p < 0.001), clinical judgment (F = 123.781, p < 0.001), and clinical decision-making (F = 45.593, p < 0.001) in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group.Conclusions: Structured preparation and briefing prior to simulation can effectively improve nursing-students' self-confidence for problem solving, clinical judgment, and clinical decision-making.