Criterion-Related Validity of a Clinical Simulation

This study explored the criterion-related validity of a clinical simulation by examining nurse practitioner's (NP) performance as measured by a chart audit and direct observation of care with performance on a clinical simulation. The clinical problem for all three instruments was the assessment and management of hypertension. Seventeen NPs completed all three instruments. The findings suggest that the chart audit and observation data were significantly correlated, but neither was significantly correlated with the clinical simulation. No evidence of criterion-related validity was noted, although several limitations of the study prohibited a definitive conclusion. Nurse educators are cautioned about using clinical simulations for evaluating student's performance until there is more support for criterion-related validity.