Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Two Different Teaching Methods in Nursing Students

Research Title:

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Two Different Teaching Methods in Developing Intramuscular Injection Application Skills in Nursing Students.

Research Objective:

The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of two different teaching methods, namely computer-assisted games and high-fidelity simulation, on developing intramuscular (IM) injection application skills among nursing students. In this context, the goal is to identify the differences in students' knowledge levels, skills, self-directed learning levels, and satisfaction levels. Enhancing students' cognitive, affective, and psychomotor skills during nursing education is crucial, especially for the IM injection application, which is commonly used in the nursing profession.

Importance of the Research:

The IM injection application involves the process of injecting medication into specific muscles and holds a critical place in nursing practice. However, the existing literature indicates that there is insufficient adherence to current guidelines regarding IM injection practices, and medical errors in this area are common. This situation underscores the importance of effective learning methods during nursing education. Students often feel inadequate during clinical practice and experience high levels of anxiety, indicating a need for new teaching methods in education.

Method:

The research is designed as a pre-test/post-test two-group randomized experimental study. The independent variables of the study are the teaching methods employed to enhance students' IM injection skills: computer-assisted games and high-fidelity simulation. The dependent variables include students' knowledge level, skill, self-directed learning, and satisfaction levels regarding IM injection.

Data Collection Tools:

The following data collection tools will be used in the research:

Student Information Form: A form containing the socio-demographic data of the students.

IM Injection Knowledge Form: This will be developed to evaluate nursing students' knowledge regarding IM injection application. Expert opinions from 10 faculty members will be sought, and the final version will be prepared after their feedback.

IM Injection Application Checklist: This will be used to assess students' IM injection application skills, with expert opinions from 10 faculty members also being incorporated.

Visual Analogue Scale (VAS): This will be used to determine students' satisfaction with the teaching methods employed.

Self-Directed Learning Styles Scale: This will measure students' levels of self-directed learning skills.

Implementation Phase:

Informed consent will be obtained from students who agree to participate in the study. The students will receive theoretical information about the IM injection application. They will be randomly assigned to two groups, with each group receiving different teaching methods. Initially, both groups will complete the IM Injection Knowledge Form developed by the academic advisor, and only those scoring 70 points or higher will continue in the project.

Group 1: Students will practice IM injection on a high-fidelity simulation model until they feel competent, for a duration of one week.

Group 2: A link to a computer-assisted game will be shared, and usernames and passwords will be created for each student to play the game for one week.

As a result, the students' knowledge and skill levels will be evaluated. Additionally, both groups will complete the VAS and Self-Directed Learning Styles Scale to assess their satisfaction with the teaching methods used.

Ethical Considerations:

The research will be conducted after obtaining ethical approval from the Kocaeli Health and Technology University Non-Interventional Ethics Committee. Institutional permission will also be obtained for conducting the study. Participants' personal information will be kept confidential, and they will be provided with clear information about the purpose of the study. No questions that could threaten the physical or mental health of participants will be asked, and the confidentiality of participants' private information will be maintained. Minors and individuals with disabilities will not participate in the study.

Expected Outcomes:

It is anticipated that the research will compare the effects of computer-assisted games and high-fidelity simulation methods on nursing students' IM injection application skills. This study emphasizes the necessity of new teaching methods in nursing education and aims to enhance students' clinical practice competencies. The findings will provide significant data that can be used to improve the effectiveness of teaching methods in nursing education. Moreover, this research will contribute to identifying strategies to enhance students' learning processes.

The results of the study will offer recommendations for adopting innovative approaches in nursing education and improving practical skills. In this context, implementing effective teaching methods in nursing education will enhance students' professional competencies and contribute to patient safety.