Measuring Cognitive Load using the NASA-TLX to Appropriately Level Multiple-Patient Simulations for Undergraduate Nursing Students

Abstract : Introduction/

Purpose: Undergraduate nursing students’ perceptions of cognitive load during multiple-patient simulations has yet to be explored. The purpose of this project is to measure undergraduate nursing students’ perceptions of cognitive load during a multiple-patient simulation to appropriately level future simulation experiences, prevent cognitive overload, and promote learning.

Theoretical Framework: An expanded Cognitive Load Model outlining the relationship between a learner’s cognitive load, learner characteristics, task characteristics, and the physical learning environment will serve as a framework.

Description: Undergraduate nursing students participating in a multiple-patient simulation will be tasked with providing care for three medical-surgical patients, as students rotate through four roles including observer, patient, nurse aide, and primary nurse. INACSL Healthcare Simulation Standards of Best Practice TM will be used to facilitate the simulation experience which will include a pre-brief, evolving case scenarios, and a debrief using debriefing with good judgement ©. Following the simulation experience students will complete the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) questionnaire.

Population/Setting: Undergraduate nursing students in their final semester of nursing school, at a large public university.

Results: The NASA-TLX is a validated and reliable tool that is widely used to measure cognitive workload. Data collected from the NASA-TLX questionnaire will be used to generate descriptive statistics to identify students’ perceptions of cognitive load during a multiple-patient simulation.

Discussion/

Conclusion: Data generated via the NASA-TLX will enable faculty to appropriately level future multiple-patient simulations and serve as an exemplar for other nurse educators seeking to appropriately level multiple-patient simulations for undergraduate nursing students.

Please include a short summary of your presentation that highlights why an attendee would want to participate in your session.: Multiple-patient simulations (MPS) are intentionally designed to simulate complex working environments. To promote learning and prevent cognitive overload among undergraduate nursing students MPS should be leveled appropriately. Authors will discuss the use of the NASA-Task Load Index Tool to measure undergraduate nursing students' perceptions of cognitive load during an MPS to appropriately level future multiple-patient simulations.