The Effect of Virtual Simulation Game on the Development of Nursing Students' Knowledge and Skills: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

AIM: This study evaluated the effect of a virtual simulation game (VSG) on the development of nursing students' knowledge and skills related to the prevention of Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI). DESIGN: A parallel group randomized controlled trial. The study is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov under the number NCT05309317. METHODS: This study was completed by 75 students (38 simulation and 37 control). Students' knowledge and skill levels were assessed prior to the training. A training on CAUTI prevention was presented to the students. After randomization, the VSG group accessed VSG for 7 days. Following the intervention, students' knowledge and skill levels were measured using post-test assessments. RESULTS: As a result of the study, the post-test mean scores for knowledge and skills in the VSG group were statistically higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). The results of the study indicate that VSG was an interesting, stimulating, fun, practical and accessible educational approach for university students. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a well-designed VSG application as a teaching and learning strategy contributed to the development of students' knowledge and skills in CAUTI prevention. It is recommended to use VSG as a preliminary or complementary method to traditional face-to-face simulation and clinical applications. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION: The game's judgements, having no impact on real life, safeguard patient safety and enhance clinical skills. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05309317.