Digital game-based learning to teach surgical site infection prevention to second-year nursing students
Effectiveness of Digital Game-Based Learning for Teaching Surgical Site Infection Prevention Interventions: A Mixed-Methods Randomized Controlled Trial
This trial will test whether a digital game can teach second-year nursing students how to prevent surgical site infections better than traditional lectures.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 88 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Yuzuncu Yil University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Van) |
| Trial ID | NCT07423702 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a mixed-methods randomized controlled trial comparing a digital game-based learning intervention with instructor-led theoretical education for surgical site infection prevention among second-year nursing students. Participants are randomly assigned to the game or control group, with quantitative measurements of knowledge and cognitive load at baseline, 4 weeks post-intervention, and 8-week follow-up. Students in the intervention arm will also take part in semi-structured interviews to explore their learning experiences and perceptions of the digital approach. Quantitative and qualitative data will be integrated to assess short-term learning gains and retention as well as user experience.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Second-year undergraduate nursing students who have not previously received formal or certified training on surgical site infection prevention and who can attend on-site sessions and give informed consent are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Students who already have advanced or certified training in surgical site infection prevention or who cannot complete the intervention or the required assessment time points are unlikely to benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the digital game could help nursing students learn and retain infection-prevention practices more effectively and with lower cognitive load than traditional lectures.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies in health professions education have shown that digital game-based and gamified approaches can improve engagement and short-term knowledge, though evidence on long-term retention and behavior change is mixed.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Undergraduate nursing students Students who voluntarily agree to participate and provide written informed consent Students who have not previously received formal education on surgical site infection prevention Students who are able to participate in the digital game-based learning intervention and outcome assessments Exclusion Criteria: * Students who have previously received advanced or certified training on surgical site infection prevention Students who fail to complete any of the assessment time points (pre-test, post-test, or retention test) Students who do not complete the digital game-based learning intervention
Where this trial is running
Van
- Van Yuzuncu Yil University — Van, Turkey (Türkiye) (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Hatice Akaltun, PhD
- Email: haticeakaltun@yyu.edu.tr
- Phone: 05425955326
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.