Abstract

Background: Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) Analysis and Interpretation are critical skills for nursing students, requiring effective teaching strategies. Simulation-based teaching has been shown to significantly enhance nursing students competencies, particularly in high-stakes clinical skills like ABG Analysis & Interpretation. The present study was conducted to compare the Effectiveness of Standard Teaching VS Simulation Based Method of teaching upon the ABG Analysis and Interpretation Competencies among Nursing Students of AIIMS, New Delhi.

Methods: A randomized control was conducted on 92 second-year-year baccalaureate Nursing Students. They were randomly assigned to the experimental and control group. Simulation-based teaching was given to the experimental group, and standard teaching was given to the control group. Baseline knowledge and skill were assessed using a structured questionnaire, and skills assessment was done using a checklist in both groups. Post-test one was taken immediately after the intervention. Post-test 2 was taken after 1 month of enrolment in the study in both groups with the same tool. Data were analyzed using an Independent t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Two-Way ANOVA with repeated measures, and Friedman test. Bonferroni's post-hoc analysis was done over time for comparative analysis.

Results: The findings revealed a statistically significant improvement in knowledge and skill regarding ABG Analysis & Interpretation competencies in both groups, with the Simulation-Based Teaching group showing a higher mean score improvement (p<0.05). Also, it was found that retention was higher in the experimental group than in the control group. A significant association of pretest knowledge was found with those with previous knowledge about ABG Analysis and Interpretation.

Conclusion: Simulation-based teaching is more effective than Standard Teaching in improving ABG analysis and interpretation competencies among nursing students. Incorporating simulation-based methods into nursing education curricula is recommended to enhance clinical preparedness and competency.

Keywords: Simulation-Based Teaching, Effectiveness, ABG Analysis & Interpretation, Knowledge, Skill, Competency, Nursing Students.