Gamification-enhanced problem-based learning for higher-diploma nursing students
Effects of "Gamification-Enhanced Problem-Based Learning" on Critical Thinking Disposition, Metacognitive Awareness and Clinical Competence Among Nursing Students in Hong Kong
This trial tests whether a gamified problem-based learning program helps Hong Kong higher-diploma nursing students improve critical thinking, metacognitive awareness, and clinical competence compared with regular lectures.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The University of Hong Kong Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT07125131 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial compares a five-week, face-to-face gamification-enhanced problem-based learning (PBL) program to conventional didactic lectures for year 2 higher-diploma enrolled nurse students in Hong Kong. Participants are randomly assigned to small collaborative groups (4–6), receive pre-reading online, work through five progressively difficult clinical cases with role-play and a patient simulator in 90-minute sessions, and join a 20-minute debrief after each session. The control arm receives usual lecture-based teaching outside regular class hours without graded credit. Primary outcomes are measures of critical thinking disposition, metacognitive awareness, and clinical competence collected before and after the intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal participants are 18+ year-2 full-time higher-diploma (enrolled nurse) students in Hong Kong who can read and write Chinese, consent to join, and have no prior healthcare work experience.
Not a fit: Students with prior healthcare work experience, repeaters, or those unable to attend the in-person sessions or read/write Chinese are unlikely to benefit from or be eligible for this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve students' critical thinking, self-monitoring skills, and hands-on clinical competence, making them better prepared for real clinical practice.
How similar studies have performed: Previous educational research shows mixed but often positive effects of gamification and problem-based learning on student engagement and some learning outcomes, though direct evidence on improving clinical competence is limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * aged 18 or above; * year 2 nursing students from full-time program; * education level post-secondary school or above; * consent given to participate voluntarily in this study; * participants who could read and write Chinese. Exclusion Criteria: * healthcare working experience prior to enrollment into the undergraduate nursing program; * repeater.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- School of Nursing, Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Wing Yee Tun, MNurs — Hong Kong Sanatorium & Hospital
- Study coordinator: Wing Yee Tun, MNurs
- Email: elisatun@connect.hku.hk
- Phone: 852 29175919
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.