Evaluating Digital Game-Based Learning Versus Traditional Education for Teaching Surgical Site Infection Prevention to Nursing Students

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate how well digital game-based learning works compared to traditional theoretical education in teaching surgical site infection prevention to second-year nursing students. The study uses a mixed-methods randomized controlled design to compare these two educational approaches. It focuses on nursing students who have not previously received formal education on this topic. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups one group will use a digital game-based learning application featuring interactive scenarios and learning tasks aligned with current guidelines, while the other group will receive conventional instructor-led theoretical education. The study includes assessments at baseline, 4 weeks after the intervention, and at an 8-week follow-up to measure knowledge retention and cognitive load. Students will complete knowledge tests and cognitive load assessments at three time points to evaluate the learning process. Additionally, students in the digital game-based learning group will take part in interviews to share their experiences and perceptions of the digital learning method. The study aims to contribute to better educational strategies in nursing training related to infection prevention.

Effectiveness of Digital Game-Based Learning in Teaching Surgical Site Infection Prevention to Nursing Students