The Effect of Simulation-Based ECG Training on ECG Reading Skills of Nursing Students

NCT07533838 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: 2025-SBB-0312
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 31
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Accurately analyzing ECG rhythms is a critical competency for nursing students. However, many students fail to achieve an adequate level of knowledge and skill in this area. Therefore, simulation-based learning approaches and innovative, interactive teaching strategies can be effective in improving students' ECG interpretation skills. Furthermore, continuous professional education and hands-on experiences are crucial to ensure the sustainability of these competencies in clinical practice. This study is designed as a randomized controlled trial to determine the effect of simulation-based education on the ECG reading skills of nursing students. The study sample is planned to consist of 60 participants, with 30 in the intervention group and 30 in the control group. Data collection tools will include the Participant Information Form, the ECG Knowledge Test, and the Simulation-Based Learning Evaluation Scale. After administering pre-tests, students will be randomly assigned to the intervention and control groups using a simple randomization method. Both groups will receive ECG training. Following the training, students in the intervention group will receive hands-on, simulation-based ECG training in a simulation lab. In contrast, students in the control group will reinforce their ECG knowledge and skills through interactive games developed using Web 2.0 tools such as Wordwall and Nearpod. After the training, both groups will be tested, and a post-test will be administered in the fourth week to evaluate learning retention and knowledge permanence. As a result of this study, it will be determined whether simulation-based education is more effective than traditional digital methods in enhancing nursing students' ECG knowledge and skill levels.

Conditions

Nursing Students; Nursing Skills; Simulation Based Learning; Simulation Training; ECG

Keywords

Electrocardiogram; ECG training; Nursing students; Simulation Based Education; Web 2.0 tools

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (3)

• ECG Knowledge test

  The questionnaire was developed by the researchers in order to evaluate the basic knowledge about ECG and the ability to read the sample ECG images. It consists of a total of 70 questions, including true-false, multiple-choice, and analysis questions. Each correct answer is worth 1 point, and each incorrect answer is worth 0 points; the total possible score ranges from 0 to 70.

  Before ECG training, two weeks after the training, four weeks after the training

• Evaluation of Simulation-Based Learning Scale

  The scale is used to evaluate the simulation-based learning experience from the student perspective. The scale consists of five sub-dimensions, including nursing process, patient safety, professional knowledge, communication, and reflected behavior and 37 items in total. The total score range is between 37 and 185.

  Before ECG training, two weeks after the training, four weeks after the training

• Participant Information Form

  It was created by the researchers in line with literature. It consists of a total of 7 items measuring information about the participants' socio-demographic characteristics and ECG knowledge and skills.

  Before ECG training

Study Arms (2)

Simulation training group

EXPERIMENTAL

Simulation training group: After the pre-tests are administered, this group will receive case-based ECG training and scenario-based simulation exercises in the simulation laboratory.

Other: Simulation-based ECG training

Web 2.0 tool training group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

After the pre-tests are administered, this group will reinforce their ECG knowledge and skills using interactive educational games developed with Web 2.0 tools such as Wordwall and Nearpod.

Other: Training

Interventions

Simulation-based ECG training OTHER

Pretests will be administered to students who agree to participate in the study and meet the inclusion criteria. After the pre-tests are administered, students will be randomized to the intervention and control groups using a simple randomization method. After randomization, students assigned to the intervention and control groups will be trained to gain ECG knowledge and skills. The intervention group will receive hands-on training in the simulation laboratory. Repetition tests will be applied after the first training is completed. Post-tests will be administered to both groups in the fourth week to evaluate learning and knowledge retention.

Simulation training group

Training OTHER

Pretests will be administered to students who agree to participate in the study and meet the inclusion criteria. After the pre-tests are administered, students will be randomized to the intervention and control groups using a simple randomization method. After randomization, students assigned to the intervention and control groups will be trained to gain ECG knowledge and skills. The control group will be provided with repeat ECG knowledge and skills with interactive games prepared with digital Web 2 tools such as Wordwall, Nearpod, etc. Repetition tests will be applied after the first trainings are completed. Post-tests will be administered to both groups in the fourth week to evaluate learning and knowledge retention.

Web 2.0 tool training group

Eligibility Criteria

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

You may qualify if:

• To be a student of nursing department,
• To be over 18 years of age,
• Not having received training in ECG interpretation/reading before,
• No hearing, vision or speech impairment,
• Regular participation in research,
• Volunteering to participate in the research.

You may not qualify if:

• To be a student of a department other than nursing,
• Having received ECG training before

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Bartın Unıversity: lead

Study Sites (1)

Bartın University

Bartın, 74100, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: PhD, Research Assistant

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 9, 2025
• First Posted: April 16, 2026
• Study Start: May 15, 2025
• Primary Completion: June 30, 2025
• Study Completion: October 30, 2025
• Last Updated: April 16, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-04

Locations

TU (1)