Abstract
AIM: This article describes a quantitative simulation study protocol and identifies important methodological considerations for future high-level, rigorous quantitative simulation studies.
BACKGROUND: Quantitative simulation research studies have been found to be lacking in their conceptualization, study design, and measurement of outcomes, with small samples and lack of rigor in overall study methods.
METHOD: This protocol reflects research priorities of organizations that drive simulation science and nursing education, published standards of simulation best practice, and use of research methodology within and outside the simulation literature, which includes psychometrically sound instruments and outcomes of importance to cognitive and simulation science.
RESULTS: The protocol was a multisite, longitudinal study, guided by the integrative model of clinical judgment, with a high degree of intervention fidelity to measure the study outcomes of clinical judgment and clinical competence.
CONCLUSION: To advance simulation science, rigorous study protocols, reflective of the one described in this article, are needed.