Needs Assessment for the Development of Simulation - Based Learning in the Era of the New Normal Society of the Faculty of Nursing, Praboromarajchanok Institute.

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to: 1) explore the situation, problems, and needs in developing simulation-based learning (SBL) in the era of the new normal society, 2) prioritize needs, and 3) provide recommendations for SBL development. The sample consisted of 24 administrators or heads of simulation learning centers in a nursing college and 300 nursing instructors of the faculty of nursing, Praboromarajchanok Institute. The research tools included questionnaires and a focus group interview guide. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, a modified priority needs index technique, and content analysis. The results revealed that: 1) The average scores of the needs for SBL development related to the actual and expected situation of the learning support subscale yielded a moderate level ( X =3.07, SD=1.03) and a high level ( X =4.32, SD=.95), respectively. 2) The need for SBL development was prioritized from learning facility support, following by management, and instructor development, respectively, and 3) Three major areas of SBL development included: recruiting a simulation lab technician to support learning management, developing a simulation-scenario bank, and placing budget support for simulation-based learning development. The findings of this study suggest that the administrators should urgently support learning facilities, learning management, and instructor development by establishing a clear support policy, allocating budget for learning facilities, establishing a simulation-lab technician position, and arranging nurse instructors’ training and development.