Table 2 Summary of differences between item level evaluations of the three placement conditions

The experience was similar to experiences I will encounter clinically.

4.30

(1.92)

4.45

(1.53)^c

3.21

(1.40)^b

3.40*

The experience was realistic.

6.20

(1.06)^b,c

4.64

(1.56)^a,c

2.42

(1.02)^a,b

44.72*

I did not learn much by participating in this experience.

3.55

(1.90)

3.45

(1.92)

3.53

(1.50)

0.02

I enjoyed this learning experience.

5.42

(1.54)^c

5.14

(1.55)^c

3.89

(1.66)^a,b

5.05*

The experience helped me to learn how to interact with real patients.

4.95

(1.54)

4.27

(1.70)

3.79

(1.62)

2.53

My skills have improved after participating in this experience.

3.90

(1.45)

3.68

(1.67)

4.05

(1.68)

0.28

The clinical educator facilitated my learning in this experience.

5.50

(1.10)

5.27

(1.70)

6.11

(1.15)

2.00

The interactions with the older adult seemed natural.

6.50

(0.61)^b,c

5.09

(1.74)^a,c

2.21

(1.18)^a,b

56.14*

I was anxious prior to participating in this experience.

3.30

(1.84)^b,c

5.14

(1.86)^a

5.26

(1.45)^a

8.05*

The experience was consistent with real world experiences.

5.50

(1.64)^c

4.45

(1.63)^c

3.16

(1.50)^a,b

10.57*

I felt a high level of engagement during the experience.

5.25

(1.45)^c

5.05

(1.65)^c

2.58

(1.61)^a,b

17.49*

Overall, the experience was helpful in my learning.

4.35

(1.93)

4.50

(1.74)

4.05

(1.61)

0.33