Branching Path Simulation for Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Students to Promote Critical Thinking: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Branching path simulation (BPS) is an active learning pedagogy incorporating gaming principles in a low-stakes, safe environment. No study has explored the use of BPS in advanced practice nursing education. This study measured pediatric nurse practitioner students' perception of the integration of BPS in one graduate-level course. METHOD: This study used a one group, post-test only quasi-experimental design with a convenience sample of 22 pediatric nurse practitioner students over 2 years enrolled in a university in the Pacific Northwest United States. RESULTS: Responses to BPS were positive design (M = 4.8; SD ± 0.4), usability (M = 4.3; SD ± 1.0), self-confidence (M = 4.2; SD ± 0.8) and satisfaction (M = 4.8; SD ± 0.4). DISCUSSION: BPS was well received by learners. It not only provides immediate feedback and encourages students to identify their clinical management weaknesses and strengths but it also can be customized to needs in a course at a significant cost saving.