Effect of Simulation-Based Port-A-Cath Care Training on Knowledge and Skill Among Fourth-Year Basic B.Sc. Nursing Students: A Pre-Experimental Study
Abstract
Background: Port-a-cath devices are commonly used among oncology patients receiving long-term chemotherapy and intravenous therapies. Appropriate care and maintenance of implanted venous access devices are essential to reduce complications such as infection, thrombosis, occlusion, and catheter malfunction. Nursing students often demonstrate inadequate confidence and practical competence in port-a-cath care because of limited clinical exposure. Simulation-based education has emerged as an effective teaching strategy for improving psychomotor skills, clinical judgment, and knowledge retention among nursing students. Aim: To assess the effect of simulation-based port-a-cath care training on knowledge and skill among fourth-year Basic B.Sc. Nursing students in selected nursing colleges. Method: A quantitative pre-experimental one-group pre-test and post-test design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted among fourth-year Basic B.Sc. Nursing students were selected using a non-probability convenience sampling technique. Structured questionnaires and observational checklists were used to assess knowledge and skill regarding port-a-cath care. The intervention consisted of simulation-based teaching, including lecture, demonstration, video-assisted training, and hands-on practice in a simulation laboratory. Pre-test and post-test data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The study findings demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in both knowledge and skill scores following simulation-based intervention. Post-test mean knowledge and skill scores were significantly higher than pre-test scores at a p < 0.05 level of significance. Simulation-based education enhanced nursing students’ confidence, psychomotor performance, and understanding of sterile port-a-cath care procedure. Conclusion: Simulation-based training was effective in improving knowledge and skill regarding port-a-cath care among fourth-year Basic B.Sc. Nursing students. Incorporation of simulation strategies into nursing curricula can strengthen competency-based oncology nursing education and promote safe patient care.