When showing breast cancer patients and their caregivers how to self-inject, adding simulation did not necessarily lead to better education, according to a study involving 50 women, their caregivers, and nurses.

The women were undergoing adjuvant or neoadjuvant treatment for breast cancer. Investigators administered questionnaires to patients and caregivers before and immediately after teaching, as well as after the injection was performed at home, assessing how simulation impacted satisfaction, worry, and self-confidence. They also evaluated nurse satisfaction after training. Among the results:

• Simulation did not impact any of the measures.
• The biggest reason for learner worry was the teaching experience itself, whether simulation was used or not.
• Nurses said they were more satisfied when simulation was used.
• Patient/caregiver satisfaction with the teaching experience decreased after they performed an injection at home.