Simulation education with problem-based learning: Effect on nursing students’ communication apprehension

We investigated the effect of simulation education with problem-based learning (SIM-PBL) on nursing students’ communication apprehension, assertiveness, and nursing clinical self-efficacy. Participants were 82 senior nursing students at a university in South Korea. Through the pre–post SIM-PBL comparison, we found that communication apprehension in group discussion decreased and nursing clinical self-efficacy increased, but no difference was found in assertiveness. Based on these findings, we recommend the development and application of SIM-PBL for various situations in the curriculum for nursing students prior to clinical practice.