Effects of Case-Based Learning in Nursing Ethics Education

NCT07845279 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: BSEU-CBL-ETHICS-2024
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 79
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled study evaluated the effect of case-based learning on nursing students' ethical values and perceptions of caring behaviors. Nursing students enrolled in a Professional Ethics course were randomly assigned to a case-based education group or a standard education group. Both groups received theoretical education on ethical values, ethical dilemmas, and ethical decision-making. In addition to the standard education, students in the case-based education group participated in 30-minute ethical case discussions once a week for eight weeks. Ethical values and perceptions of caring behaviors were measured before and immediately after the intervention.

Conditions

Nursing Education

Keywords

Case-Based Learning; Nursing Students; Ethics Education; Ethical Values; Caring Behaviors; Randomized Controlled Trial

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Change in Ethical Values Scale Score

  Ethical values were assessed using the Ethical Values Scale for Students Studying in Health Sciences. The scale consists of 27 items and includes the Responsibility Awareness, Fairness, and Respect subscales. The total score ranges from 27 to 135, with higher scores indicating higher levels of ethical values. Change was evaluated by comparing total scores obtained at baseline and immediately after the eight-week educational intervention.

  Baseline and immediately after the 8-week intervention

• Change in Caring Behaviors Inventory-24 Score

  Perceptions of caring behaviors were assessed using the Caring Behaviors Inventory-24. The inventory consists of 24 items and includes the Assurance, Knowledge and Skill, Respectful, and Connectedness subscales. The total mean score ranges from 1 to 6, with higher scores indicating more positive perceptions of caring behaviors. Change was evaluated by comparing total mean scores obtained at baseline and immediately after the eight-week educational intervention.

  Baseline and immediately after the 8-week intervention

Study Arms (2)

Case-Based Learning

EXPERIMENTAL

Participants received standard theoretical education on ethical values, ethical dilemmas, and ethical decision-making. In addition, they participated in 30-minute structured ethical case discussions once a week for eight weeks.

Behavioral: Case-Based Learning; Behavioral: Standard Ethics Education

Standard Education Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants received standard theoretical education on ethical values, ethical dilemmas, and ethical decision-making and continued the standard course process for eight weeks without participating in the structured ethical case discussions.

Behavioral: Standard Ethics Education

Interventions

Case-Based Learning BEHAVIORAL

Participants received standard theoretical education on ethical values, ethical dilemmas, and ethical decision-making. In addition, they participated in 30-minute structured case discussions once a week for eight weeks. During these sessions, students identified ethical dilemmas and relevant ethical values, evaluated possible solutions, and justified their decisions under the guidance of the researchers.

Case-Based Learning

Standard Ethics Education BEHAVIORAL

Participants received theoretical education on ethical values, ethical dilemmas, and ethical decision-making as part of the standard Professional Ethics course. The education was delivered according to the standard course curriculum.

Case-Based Learning; Standard Education Group

Eligibility Criteria

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

You may qualify if:

• Being enrolled as an undergraduate nursing student in the Professional Ethics course during the 2024-2025 academic year
• Being 18 years of age or older
• Volunteering to participate in the study
• Providing informed consent

You may not qualify if:

• Having previously received formal education or training on nursing ethics
• Not completing the baseline assessment

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Bilecik Seyh Edebali Universitesi: lead

Study Sites (1)

Bilecik Seyh Edebali University

Bilecik, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Model Details: Participants were randomly assigned to two parallel groups: a case-based education group and a standard education group.

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: September 22, 2026
• First Posted: September 28, 2026
• Study Start: April 30, 2025
• Primary Completion: June 30, 2025
• Study Completion: June 30, 2025
• Last Updated: September 30, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-09

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will share
• Time Frame: Data will be available following publication of the study results and for five years thereafter.
• Access Criteria: Requests should be submitted to the corresponding author and should include a scientifically sound proposal. Access will be considered subject to ethical requirements, participant confidentiality, and institutional approval where applicable.

Locations

TU (1)