Impact of Simulation-Based Intervention on Empathy, Communication, and Self-Efficacy Among Mental Health Nursing Students

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a standardized patient simulation-based educational intervention among undergraduate nursing students enrolled in the Mental Health Nursing course at the Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Cyprus International University, during the 2025-2026 academic year. A total of 70 eligible undergraduate nursing students were randomly allocated to an experimental group or a control group. Students in the experimental group participated in a structured simulation-based educational program using trained standardized patients portraying individuals with bipolar disorder. The simulation scenarios represent common clinical presentations of bipolar disorder, including acute manic episodes, depressive episodes , emotional instability, and mixed features associated with medication non-adherence. Students practice mental health assessment, therapeutic communication, therapeutic relationship building, and appropriate nursing interventions, followed by structured debriefing and reflection. The intervention was based on the principles of Jean Watson's Theory of Human Caring and was delivered through weekly simulation sessions. The control group received the routine Mental Health Nursing curriculum, including theoretical instruction and regular clinical placement experiences, without participation in the standardized patient simulation program. The primary outcome is therapeutic communication skills, while secondary outcomes include empathy and communication self-efficacy. Outcomes will be assessed using validated assessment scales at baseline and after completion of the intervention. The study evaluate whether standardized patient simulation is more effective than traditional teaching methods in developing key clinical and interpersonal competencies among undergraduate nursing students preparing to care for patients with bipolar disorder.

Inclusion Criteria: * Were officially and early registered in the mental health nursing course * Provided informed consent to participate * Were available throughout the duration of the intervention Exclusion Criteria: * Declined to participate * Were absent during key phases of the intervention * Did not complete the required data collection instruments. * Late registration