CommunicationNCT07026136
Blended Learning to Enhance Elderly Communication Skills in Nursing Students and New Nurses
A study testing Hybrid Digital Learning with AI Chatbot for Geriatric Communication and Traditional Learning: Printed Educational Materials in people with Communication and Elderly Patients, run by China Medical University Hospital at 2 sites in Taiwan.
Trial summary
The study will recruit new nurses from the hospital to evaluate the effectiveness of learning communicating skills in elderly care through a hybrid learning model. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving hybrid method course or a control group using written materials, with both… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 20 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Communication, Elderly Patients
- What is being tested?
- Hybrid Digital Learning with AI Chatbot for Geriatric Communication and Traditional Learning: Printed Educational Materials
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 70 participants
- Where
- 2 sitesTaiwan
- Study dates
- 1 Jul 2025to 31 Dec 2025
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 20 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- At least 20 years old
- Graduated from a nursing school
- Full-time employee
- Less than six months of nursing work experience
- Working in a medical ward
Who cannot join
- Job nature does not involve direct patient contact, such as working in the supply room.
- Not engaged in clinical nursing work, such as a research assistant.
Trial locations and contacts
2 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Taiwan2 sites
Tzeng
Taichung, 406040
Ya-Ling Tzeng, 0422053366, tyaling@mail.cmu.edu.tw
Ya-Ling Tzeng
Taichung, 406040
Ya-Ling Tzeng, PhD, +886 4-22053366 ext. 7112, tyaling@mail.cmu.edu.tw
Mei-Chen Ho, Ms, +886 910220368, maggie.110310@gmail.com
About this study
Official title: Application of Blended Learning Model to Improve the Communication Skills of Nursing Students and New Nurses With the Elderly: Development and Effectiveness Verification
The study will recruit new nurses from the hospital to evaluate the effectiveness of learning communicating skills in elderly care through a hybrid learning model. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving hybrid method course or a control group using written materials, with both groups participating in a 60-minute educational session. The research will employ a multi-stage assessment approach, beginning with a pre-test to measure baseline knowledge of aging, attitudes toward older adults, willingness to serve the elderly, and communication skills. Immediately following the intervention, participants will complete a post-test, with a follow-up delayed assessment conducted three months later to evaluate knowledge retention. Clinical preceptors will systematically assess the nurses' elderly communication skills using a standardized rating scale. To gain deeper insights, selected nurses will also participate in qualitative interviews, sharing their learning experiences, reflections, and recommendations for improving the teaching materials, thereby providing a comprehensive understanding of the training's effectiveness and potential areas of enhancement.
Read the detailed description
This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a hybrid learning model communication training program for newly recruited nurses interacting with older adults. The intervention group receives a self-directed learning experience using an online multimedia module and an AI chatbot learning assistant, while the control group studies equivalent content through printed educational materials. The training aims to enhance nurses' knowledge of aging, improve attitudes toward older adults, increase willingness to serve the elderly, and develop geriatric communication skills.
The digital course content includes five core themes: (1) knowledge related to aging, (2) application of empathy, (3) the impact of hospitalization on older adults and communication barriers, (4) fundamental principles of elderly communication, and (5) simulated scenario-based dialogues. Each unit is under 10 minutes and followed by an online quiz. Participants may continue practicing using an AI chatbot tutor that reinforces learning.
Participants are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio stratified by gender and educational background. Following baseline assessments, the intervention is conducted during the fourth day of an onboarding training program. The post-test is planned to be done immediately after the 60-minute learning session, and follow-up assessments are conducted one, two, and three months later to evaluate knowledge retention and real-world skill application. Quantitative outcome measures include pre-post changes in: knowledge of aging questionnaire, attitudes toward older adults questionnaire, willingness to care for elderly questionnaire, self-reported and preceptor-assessed geriatric communication skills questionnaire, motivation for learning via instructional material.
In addition to self-report questionnaires, trained clinical preceptors assess geriatric communication skills during actual clinical settings using the KEECC Checklist (Kalamazoo Essential Elements Communication Checklist).
A final qualitative component includes semi-structured interviews with 10 participants from the experimental group, selected until data saturation is reached, to explore learning experiences and gather feedback on the instructional design.
This mixed-method study aims to provide evidence for scalable, technology-enhanced training solutions that prepare early-career nurses for competent and compassionate elder care communication.
- Conditions
- Communication, Elderly Patients
- Being tested
- Hybrid Digital Learning with AI Chatbot for Geriatric Communication, Traditional Learning: Printed Educational Materials
- Medical subject headings
- Communication
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Hybrid Digital Learning with AI Chatbot for Geriatric CommunicationOther
A web-based, self-directed learning program integrated with a conversational AI chatbot. The chatbot reinforces learning and allows for flexible post-training practice.
Traditional Learning: Printed Educational MaterialsOther
Traditional teaching materials, printed document including structured readings on aging knowledge, empathy, communication barriers, and case-based communication strategies with older adults.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Learning: Digital Modules + AI Chatbot Support | Experimental | Participants in this arm will complete a 60-minute hybrid learning session using online digital textbooks developed by the research team. Content includes modules on aging knowledge, empathy techniques, communication barriers, and simulated scenario-based dialogues. Each module is followed by an online quiz. After the session, learners can continue practicing with an AI chatbot that provides personalized guidance and simulated dialogue practice. Receives: Other: Hybrid Digital Learning with AI Chatbot for Geriatric Communication |
| Traditional Learning: Printed Educational Materials | Active comparator | Participants in this arm will study the same instructional content using printed materials within a 60-minute session. The content parallels that of the digital modules but is provided in static written format, without multimedia or chatbot interaction. Receives: Other: Traditional Learning: Printed Educational Materials |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Knowledge of Aging Questionnaire Score
- Instrument: 19-item scale developed by Hsieh \& Yang (2009)
- Score range: 19-95 (Likert 5-point scale)
- Higher scores indicate: Greater knowledge of aging (biological, psychological, and social aspects)
Measured: Baseline (Pre-test): Prior to intervention. Immediate Post-test: Directly after the 60-minute learning session. First Follow-up: 1 month after intervention. Second Follow-up: 2 months after intervention. Third Follow-up: 3 months after intervention.
Change in Kogan's Attitudes Toward Older People (KAOP) Scale Score
- Instrument: 34-item Chinese version by Yeh et al., 2018
- Score range: 34-204 (Likert 6-point scale, with reverse-coded items)
- Higher scores indicate: More positive attitudes toward older adults
Measured: Baseline (Pre-test): Prior to intervention. Immediate Post-test: Directly after the 60-minute learning session. First Follow-up: 1 month after intervention. Second Follow-up: 2 months after intervention. Third Follow-up: 3 months after intervention.
Change in Willingness to Serve Older Adults Scale Score
- Instrument: 16-item scale by Hsieh \& Yang (2009)
- Score range: 16-80(Likert 5-point scale)
- Higher scores indicate: Greater willingness to provide care or service to older adults
Measured: Baseline (Pre-test): Prior to intervention. Immediate Post-test: Directly after the 60-minute learning session. First Follow-up: 1 month after intervention. Second Follow-up: 2 months after intervention. Third Follow-up: 3 months after intervention.
Change in Self-Reported Communication Skills Scale Score
- Instrument: Adapted from Canary \& Spitzberg's CAE, modified by Chen (2017)
- Score range: 28-168 (Likert 6-point scale)
- Higher scores indicate: Higher perceived appropriateness and effectiveness in communication
Measured: Baseline (Pre-test): Prior to intervention. Immediate Post-test: Directly after the 60-minute learning session. First Follow-up: 1 month after intervention. Second Follow-up: 2 months after intervention. Third Follow-up: 3 months after intervention.
Change in Kalamazoo Essential Elements Communication Checklist (KEECC) Score
- Instrument: 7-domain, 5-point checklist adapted for elder-care scenarios
- Score range: 7-35
- Rated by: Clinical preceptors after observed interactions
- Higher scores indicate: Better objective communication performance
Measured: Baseline (Pre-test): Prior to intervention. Immediate Post-test: Directly after the 60-minute learning session. First Follow-up: 1 month after intervention. Second Follow-up: 2 months after intervention. Third Follow-up: 3 months after intervention.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted18 Jun 2025
- Study start1 Jul 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion30 Nov 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2025 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for CommunicationStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by China Medical University HospitalThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Health services research
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Hybrid method course of learning effective communicating skill
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Investigator
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- China Medical University Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07026136
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CMUH111-REC1-110
- Status last verified
- Jun 2025
- First submitted
- 29 Apr 2025
- Last updated
- 18 Jun 2025
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 18 Jun 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Application of Blended Learning Model to Improve the Communication Skills of Nursing Students and New Nurses With the Elderly: Development and Effectiveness Verification
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07026136
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- CMUH111-REC1-110
- Conditions
- Communication, Elderly Patients
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 70 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- China Medical University HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Jul 2025 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 30 Nov 2025 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2025 (estimated)
- First posted
- 18 Jun 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The study will recruit new nurses from the hospital to evaluate the effectiveness of learning communicating skills in elderly care through a hybrid learning model. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving hybrid method course or a control group using written materials, with both groups participating in a 60-minute educational session. The research will employ a multi-stage assessment approach, beginning with a pre-test to measure baseline knowledge of aging, attitudes toward older adults, willingness to serve the elderly, and communication skills. Immediately following the intervention, participants will complete a post-test, with a follow-up delayed assessment conducted three months later to evaluate knowledge retention. Clinical preceptors will systematically assess the nurses' elderly communication skills using a standardized rating scale. To gain deeper insights, selected nurses will also participate in qualitative interviews, sharing their learning experiences, reflections, and recommendations for improving the teaching materials, thereby providing a comprehensive understanding of the training's effectiveness and potential areas of enhancement.
Detailed description
This study is a randomized controlled trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of a hybrid learning model communication training program for newly recruited nurses interacting with older adults. The intervention group receives a self-directed learning experience using an online multimedia module and an AI chatbot learning assistant, while the control group studies equivalent content through printed educational materials. The training aims to enhance nurses' knowledge of aging, improve attitudes toward older adults, increase willingness to serve the elderly, and develop geriatric communication skills.
The digital course content includes five core themes: (1) knowledge related to aging, (2) application of empathy, (3) the impact of hospitalization on older adults and communication barriers, (4) fundamental principles of elderly communication, and (5) simulated scenario-based dialogues. Each unit is under 10 minutes and followed by an online quiz. Participants may continue practicing using an AI chatbot tutor that reinforces learning.
Participants are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio stratified by gender and educational background. Following baseline assessments, the intervention is conducted during the fourth day of an onboarding training program. The post-test is planned to be done immediately after the 60-minute learning session, and follow-up assessments are conducted one, two, and three months later to evaluate knowledge retention and real-world skill application. Quantitative outcome measures include pre-post changes in: knowledge of aging questionnaire, attitudes toward older adults questionnaire, willingness to care for elderly questionnaire, self-reported and preceptor-assessed geriatric communication skills questionnaire, motivation for learning via instructional material.
In addition to self-report questionnaires, trained clinical preceptors assess geriatric communication skills during actual clinical settings using the KEECC Checklist (Kalamazoo Essential Elements Communication Checklist).
A final qualitative component includes semi-structured interviews with 10 participants from the experimental group, selected until data saturation is reached, to explore learning experiences and gather feedback on the instructional design.
This mixed-method study aims to provide evidence for scalable, technology-enhanced training solutions that prepare early-career nurses for competent and compassionate elder care communication.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Health services research
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Hybrid method course of learning effective communicating skill
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Learning: Digital Modules + AI Chatbot Support | Experimental | Other: Hybrid Digital Learning with AI Chatbot for Geriatric CommunicationParticipants in this arm will complete a 60-minute hybrid learning session using online digital textbooks developed by the research team. Content includes modules on aging knowledge, empathy techniques, communication barriers, and simulated scenario-based dialogues. Each module is followed by an online quiz. After the session, learners can continue practicing with an AI chatbot that provides personalized guidance and simulated dialogue practice. |
| Traditional Learning: Printed Educational Materials | Active comparator | Other: Traditional Learning: Printed Educational MaterialsParticipants in this arm will study the same instructional content using printed materials within a 60-minute session. The content parallels that of the digital modules but is provided in static written format, without multimedia or chatbot interaction. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 20 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (5 listed)
- At least 20 years old
- Graduated from a nursing school
- Full-time employee
- Less than six months of nursing work experience
- Working in a medical ward
Key exclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Job nature does not involve direct patient contact, such as working in the supply room.
- Not engaged in clinical nursing work, such as a research assistant.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid Digital Learning with AI Chatbot for Geriatric CommunicationA web-based, self-directed learning program integrated with a conversational AI chatbot. The chatbot reinforces learning and allows for flexible post-training practice. | Other | Hybrid Learning: Digital Modules + AI Chatbot Support |
| Traditional Learning: Printed Educational MaterialsTraditional teaching materials, printed document including structured readings on aging knowledge, empathy, communication barriers, and case-based communication strategies with older adults. | Other | Traditional Learning: Printed Educational Materials |
Primary outcome
Change in Knowledge of Aging Questionnaire Score
Time frame: Baseline (Pre-test): Prior to intervention. Immediate Post-test: Directly after the 60-minute learning session. First Follow-up: 1 month after intervention. Second Follow-up: 2 months after intervention. Third Follow-up: 3 months after intervention.
* Instrument: 19-item scale developed by Hsieh \& Yang (2009) * Score range: 19-95 (Likert 5-point scale) * Higher scores indicate: Greater knowledge of aging (biological, psychological, and social aspects)
Change in Kogan's Attitudes Toward Older People (KAOP) Scale Score
Time frame: Baseline (Pre-test): Prior to intervention. Immediate Post-test: Directly after the 60-minute learning session. First Follow-up: 1 month after intervention. Second Follow-up: 2 months after intervention. Third Follow-up: 3 months after intervention.
* Instrument: 34-item Chinese version by Yeh et al., 2018 * Score range: 34-204 (Likert 6-point scale, with reverse-coded items) * Higher scores indicate: More positive attitudes toward older adults
Change in Willingness to Serve Older Adults Scale Score
Time frame: Baseline (Pre-test): Prior to intervention. Immediate Post-test: Directly after the 60-minute learning session. First Follow-up: 1 month after intervention. Second Follow-up: 2 months after intervention. Third Follow-up: 3 months after intervention.
* Instrument: 16-item scale by Hsieh \& Yang (2009) * Score range: 16-80(Likert 5-point scale) * Higher scores indicate: Greater willingness to provide care or service to older adults
Change in Self-Reported Communication Skills Scale Score
Time frame: Baseline (Pre-test): Prior to intervention. Immediate Post-test: Directly after the 60-minute learning session. First Follow-up: 1 month after intervention. Second Follow-up: 2 months after intervention. Third Follow-up: 3 months after intervention.
* Instrument: Adapted from Canary \& Spitzberg's CAE, modified by Chen (2017) * Score range: 28-168 (Likert 6-point scale) * Higher scores indicate: Higher perceived appropriateness and effectiveness in communication
Change in Kalamazoo Essential Elements Communication Checklist (KEECC) Score
Time frame: Baseline (Pre-test): Prior to intervention. Immediate Post-test: Directly after the 60-minute learning session. First Follow-up: 1 month after intervention. Second Follow-up: 2 months after intervention. Third Follow-up: 3 months after intervention.
* Instrument: 7-domain, 5-point checklist adapted for elder-care scenarios * Score range: 7-35 * Rated by: Clinical preceptors after observed interactions * Higher scores indicate: Better objective communication performance
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 18 Jun 2025.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
2 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Hybrid Digital Learning with AI Chatbot for Geriatric Communication and Traditional Learning: Printed Educational Materials in people with Communication and Elderly Patients, run by China Medical University Hospital at 2 sites in Taiwan.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 5 inclusion and 2 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 18 Jun 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 2 sites in Taiwan. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Ya-Ling Tzeng (+886422053366, tyaling@mail.cmu.edu.tw), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Knowledge of Aging Questionnaire Score (time frame: Baseline (Pre-test): Prior to intervention. Immediate Post-test: Directly after the 60-minute learning session. First Follow-up: 1 month after intervention. Second Follow-up: 2 months after intervention. Third Follow-up: 3 months after intervention.). The study lists 5 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 18 Jun 2025.