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

NCT07423702 | Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: VYYU-SBF-HAKALTUN-003
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 88
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of digital game-based learning in teaching evidence-based surgical site infection prevention interventions to second-year nursing students. Using a mixed-methods randomized controlled design, students will be assigned to either a digital game-based learning group or a traditional theoretical education group. Quantitative outcomes will assess changes in students' knowledge levels and cognitive load across three measurement points (baseline, 4-week post-intervention, and 8-week follow-up). In addition, qualitative data will be collected through semi-structured interviews with students in the intervention group to explore their learning experiences and perceptions of the digital learning approach. The findings of this study are expected to contribute to evidence-based educational strategies in nursing education, particularly in the teaching of surgical site infection prevention.

Conditions

Surgical Site Infection Prevention; Nursing Education

Keywords

Digital Game-Based Learning; Surgical Site Infection; Nursing Students; Educational Intervention; Infection Prevention

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Knowledge of Surgical Site Infection Prevention

  This outcome measure assesses participants' knowledge of evidence-based surgical site infection prevention practices using a study-specific multiple-choice knowledge test consisting of 20 items (score range: 0-100), with higher scores indicating greater knowledge. Knowledge assessments will be conducted at three time points: baseline (pre-test), post-intervention at 4 weeks, and follow-up (knowledge retention test) at 8 weeks.

  Baseline (pre-test), 4 weeks, and 8 weeks

Secondary Outcomes (1)

• Cognitive Load

  4 weeks, and 8 weeks

Other Outcomes (1)

• Digital Game-Based Learning Experiences (Qualitative Interviews)

  After completion of the 8-week quantitative follow-up assessments

Study Arms (2)

Digital Game-Based Learning Group

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants in this arm will receive a digital game-based learning intervention designed to teach evidence-based surgical site infection prevention interventions. The digital game includes interactive scenarios and learning tasks aligned with current guidelines. Participants will engage with the digital game as part of their educational activities during the study period.

Behavioral: Digital Game-Based Learning

Traditional Theoretical Education Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this arm will receive traditional instructor-led theoretical education on surgical site infection prevention based on current evidence-based guidelines. The education will be delivered using conventional teaching methods routinely applied in nursing education.

Behavioral: Traditional Theoretical Education

Interventions

Digital Game-Based Learning BEHAVIORAL

The intervention consists of a digital game-based learning application developed to support the teaching of evidence-based surgical site infection prevention interventions. The digital game includes interactive learning activities designed to enhance engagement and reinforce key prevention principles in nursing education.

Also known as: SSI Prevention Digital Game

Digital Game-Based Learning Group

Traditional Theoretical Education BEHAVIORAL

The intervention consists of traditional instructor-led theoretical education on surgical site infection prevention delivered using standard teaching methods routinely applied in undergraduate nursing education.

Traditional Theoretical Education Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Undergraduate nursing students Students who voluntarily agree to participate and provide written informed consent Students who have not previously received formal education on surgical site infection prevention Students who are able to participate in the digital game-based learning intervention and outcome assessments

You may not qualify if:

• Students who have previously received advanced or certified training on surgical site infection prevention Students who fail to complete any of the assessment time points (pre-test, post-test, or retention test) Students who do not complete the digital game-based learning intervention

Sponsors & Collaborators

• hatice akaltun: lead
• Yuzuncu Yil University: collaborator

Study Sites (1)

Van Yuzuncu Yil University

Van, Turkey (Türkiye)

RECRUITING

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Surgical Wound Infection

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Wound Infection; Infections; Postoperative Complications; Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Central Study Contacts

Hatice Akaltun, PhD

CONTACT

05425955326; haticeakaltun@yyu.edu.tr

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: PREVENTION
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Lecturer (PhD) in Nursing

Model Details: Participants are randomly assigned to either a digital game-based learning group or a traditional theoretical education group.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 15, 2026
• First Posted: February 20, 2026
• Study Start: February 16, 2026
• Primary Completion: April 1, 2026
• Study Completion: May 1, 2026
• Last Updated: February 23, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)