DNP Projects
Date of Award
7-28-2026
Document Type
Graduate Paper
Degree Name
Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
Department
Nursing
First Advisor
Jennifer Peterson
Second Advisor
Carrie Hoover
Subject Categories
Nursing
Abstract
Introduction:
Simulation-based training is an effective educational strategy, particularly for high-acuity, low-frequency events such as patient decompensation in outpatient settings. However, there is a gap in both literature and practice regarding provider participation in simulation, as competing clinical demands often limit engagement. Local organizational leaders identified limited opportunities for outpatient providers to practice management of acute decompensating patients. The purpose of this project was to evaluate provider competence and confidence in managing a decompensating patient in the outpatient setting and to assess perceptions of the value of time spent in simulation.
Methods:
This quality improvement project evaluated providers who participated in, or observed, a simulation conducted in a simulation lab, designed to replicate an outpatient clinic setting. A pre- and post-intervention survey design was used to evaluate changes in competence and confidence. Open-ended questions assessed provider perceptions of the value of simulation training.
Results:
Twenty-two participants completed both pre- and post-intervention surveys. Statistically significant improvements were observed in provider confidence and competence across all measured domains (p < 0.05). Participants also reported high perceived value of simulation training and strong support for its integration into clinical education.
Conclusion:
Simulation-based training in the outpatient setting improves provider confidence and competence in managing decompensating patients. Participants perceived simulation as a valuable use of time despite competing clinical demands, supporting its integration into routine provider education. The project can be sustained through continued simulation, and bringing the scenario to in-situ simulation trainings.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Weyer, Kristina, "Improving Outpatient Provider Preparedness Through Simulation-Based Training: A Quality Improvement Project" (2026). DNP Projects. 28.
https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/nursing_dnp/28