Can the theory of planned behaviour predict nursing faculty's use of high fidelity simulation?

Abstract

High fidelity simulation (HFS) can have a positive impact on nursing education and safe patient care, yet HFS remains underutilized. In this study, the Theory of Planned Behaviour was used to explore the use of HFS in nursing education. In a cross-sectional, correlational design, 87 Registered Nurse educators (mean age = 48.6 years) completed an online survey assessing attitudes, subjective norms (SN) and perceived behavioural control (PBC). Attitudes, SN, and PBC explained 45% of the variance (p < .001) in intended use of HFS with attitude (β = 0.30, p < 0.05) and PBC (β = 0.61, p < 0.05) making significant unique contributions to intention. Subjective norms were not related to intentions (β = 0.01, p > 0.1). Nursing educators have positive attitudes towards HFS use and feel that it is beneficial, but feel low control over HFS use. Yet, given the opportunity, educators seem likely to use HFS.