The Effect of Virtual Simulation Game on the Development of Nursing Students' Knowledge and Skills: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

AIM: This study evaluated the effect of a virtual simulation game (VSG) on the development of nursing students' knowledge and skills related to the prevention of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI).

DESIGN

A parallel group randomized controlled trial. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov under the number NCT05309317.

METHODS

This study was completed by 75 students (38 simulation and 37 control). Students' knowledge and skill levels were assessed prior to the training. A training on CAUTI prevention was presented to the students. After randomization, the VSG group accessed VSG for 7 days. Following the intervention, students' knowledge and skill levels were measured using post-test assessments.

RESULTS

As a result of the study, the post-test mean scores for knowledge and skills in the VSG group were statistically higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The results of the study indicate that VSG was an interesting, stimulating, fun, practical and accessible educational approach for university students.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of a well-designed VSG application as a teaching and learning strategy contributed to the development of students' knowledge and skills in CAUTI prevention. It is recommended to use VSG as a preliminary or complementary method to traditional face-to-face simulation and clinical applications.

PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The game's judgements, having no impact on real life, safeguard patient safety and enhance clinical skills.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05309317.