Using a virtual simulation game to teach nursing students blood sampling skills

Effectiveness of Virtual Simulation Game in Teaching Venous Blood Sampling Skills to Nursing Students: a Randomized Controlled Trial

NA · Sinop University · NCT06714474

This study tests if a virtual simulation game can help second-year nursing students learn blood sampling skills better than traditional training methods.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSinop University (other)
Locations1 site (Izmir, İzmir)
Trial IDNCT06714474 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial evaluates the effectiveness of a Virtual Simulation Game (VSG) in teaching venous blood sampling (VBS) skills to second-year nursing students. The study compares the VSG method with traditional training techniques, focusing on improvements in knowledge, practical performance, satisfaction, confidence, and comfort among students. By providing a safe and engaging learning environment, the VSG allows students to practice clinical scenarios repeatedly and receive immediate feedback without compromising patient safety. The trial addresses a significant gap in nursing education literature regarding the use of VSGs for fundamental skills like venous blood sampling.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are second-year nursing students enrolled in the 'Principles and Applications in Nursing' course with no prior clinical experience.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic illnesses, bleeding disorders, or psychiatric conditions, as well as pregnant students, will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance nursing education and improve the competency of future nurses in performing venous blood sampling.

How similar studies have performed: While simulation-based training is common, the specific use of Virtual Simulation Games for teaching venous blood sampling is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Enrolled in the "Principles and Applications in Nursing" course, specifically the "Fundamentals of Nursing Care" module, for the first time.

No prior clinical experience. No prior experience with venous blood sampling. No prior education in health sciences (e.g., not a graduate of a vocational health school or a health-related associate degree program).

Willing to voluntarily participate in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

Diagnosed with a chronic illness, bleeding disorder, or psychiatric condition. Pregnant students. Students who have not received Hepatitis A or Hepatitis B vaccines. Students who fail to complete the study data collection forms. Students who withdraw their consent to participate during the study. Students who are absent at any stage of the study process. Students who do not complete the simulation training sessions.

Where this trial is running

Izmir, İzmir

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: Nursing Skill, Game-Based Learning, Students, Nursing, Gamification, Blood Sampling Procedure, Nursing Education, Virtual Simulation Game, Nursing Students

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.