Low-fidelity simulation in the approach to patients with medically unexplained physical symptoms: A quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Background: About 30% of primary care consultations are for somatic disorders derived from psychological causes. We have not found any research on the effectiveness of role play in the training of nursing students in addressing these disorders. Aim: To analyze whether the use of role play in the training of nursing students improves their skills to communicate with patients who present medically unexplained symptoms. Methods: The research is a quasi-experimental study. Fifty-seven nursing students participated in low-fidelity simulation. The measurement instruments used were the Health Professionals Communication Skills Scale (HP-CSS) and the Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (SE-12). Results: Self-efficacy and overall perceived communication skills score have improved after the simulation. The t-test showed statistically significant differences for both results, t (56) = 3.148; p = 0.003; CI = (1.81- 8.12); t (56) = 3.149; p = 0.003; CI (1.68-7.55) respectively. There were also significant positive changes in three of the four subscales of the EHC-PS questionnaire. Conclusions: Low-fidelity simulation is an effective teaching-learning strategy in improving communication skills of nursing students with patients with psychosomatic symptoms.