Mixed reality training to teach cervical effacement and dilation

The Effect of Mixed Reality Application in Teaching Cervical Effacement and Dilatation on Cognitive Load, Sense of Presence, and Midwifery Professional Perception

NA · Mardin Artuklu University · NCT07238205

This project tests whether mixed reality training helps midwifery students learn to measure cervical effacement and dilation while improving their confidence and learning experience.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment90 (estimated)
Ages18 Months to 35 Years
SexFemale
SponsorMardin Artuklu University (other)
Locations1 site (Mardin)
Trial IDNCT07238205 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Midwifery students at Mardin Artuklu University will be assigned to either a mixed reality training program or standard education and then complete validated questionnaires on cognitive load, sense of presence, and professional perception. After training, students in both groups will perform cervical effacement and dilation assessments on five laboring pregnant women during routine clinical practice to compare real‑world performance. The mixed reality arm uses immersive simulation of vaginal examinations while the control arm receives traditional instruction. Outcomes include practical performance on patients and scores from the cognitive load, presence, and midwifery professional perception scales.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal participants are midwifery students at Mardin Artuklu University enrolled in the 'Normal Birth and Postpartum Care' course who have not previously received structured vaginal examination training and who volunteer for the program.

Not a fit: Students who already have prior structured training in vaginal examination, graduates of health vocational high schools, those with visual or upper‑limb disabilities that prevent simulation use, or anyone who does not complete the training are unlikely to receive benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help students learn cervical exam skills faster and with greater confidence, potentially improving clinical competence during labor care.

How similar studies have performed: Mixed and virtual reality interventions have shown benefits for learning other clinical procedures, but using mixed reality specifically to teach cervical effacement and dilation is novel with limited prior data.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Enrolled in the Midwifery Department at Mardin Artuklu University,
* Taking the course "Normal Birth and Postpartum Care,"
* Who have not previously received any structured training (practical training, simulation, etc.) related to vaginal examination or cervical dilation/effacement procedures,
* Who do not feel confident in assessing cervical effacement and dilation,
* Who volunteer to participate in the study will be included,
* Pregnant women who are in the first stage of labor and have no obstetric complications.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals who are graduates of health vocational high schools,
* Have disabilities in their eyes, hands, arms, or fingers,
* Those who do not complete the training will not be included.

Where this trial is running

Mardin

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Labor, Poor, Primary, Cervical Dilatation, First Stage

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.