The Impact of End-of-life Care Simulation on Resilience for Nursing Students: A Study by Randomized Controlled Trial

ABSTRACT

Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of an end-of-life care simulation as a way to improve nursing students’ resilience. Methods: In total, 61 baccalaureate nursing students were randomly assigned to control or education groups. In this randomized controlled study on an end-of-life care simulation, resilience was measured at baseline, and after the simulation. Result: At the baseline, the two groups showed no statistical differences in their resilience scores. However, the total score, and scores for the factors “I am”, “I have”, and “I will/ do” were significantly higher for the education group than the control group in the post-test. The total scores and three factor scores within the education group were also significantly higher in the post-test than at baseline, but in the control group only the “I am” factor significantly increased over time. Conclusion: The end-of-life care simulation scenario showed the potential to increase the resilience of participants, especially their ability to build trusting relationships with others and expand their network, and to set goals and grow toward them.