Measuring Critical Thinking Dispositions of Novice Nursing Students Using Human Patient Simulators

This study assessed the influence of human patient simulator (HPS) practice on critical thinking dispositions in a sample of novice baccalaureate nursing students. Eighty-five second-year nursing students were randomly assigned to an experimental (n = 42) or a control (n = 43) group based on exposure to a 2-hour HPS practice session prior to a course competency examination. The California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI) was administered before and after the competency examination. No between-group differences were found on overall or subscale CCTDI mean scores. Within-group differences for the HPS practice group were significant for overall scores (p < 0.05) and the truth-seeking (p < 0.01) and judiciousness or maturity of judgment (p < 0.01) subscales. This preliminary data analysis suggests disposition gains for individual students practicing critical assessment skills using HPS. The cohort will be followed for 2 years to assess long-term critical thinking outcomes following practice with HPS.