Augmented Reality Animations for Smoking Cessation Counseling Training

This study proposes the development and evaluation of an augmented reality (AR)-based intervention integrated into the smoking cessation counselling (SCC) training for Master of Nursing (MN) students at the University of Hong Kong. The goal is to enhance students' competencies in applying the 5As framework (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange) in tobacco dependency interventions.

This study adopts a two-arm, waitlist-controlled, pragmatic randomized controlled trial (RCT) design with a 1:1 allocation ratio. Eligible participants are MN students enrolled in the "Tobacco Dependency Nursing Intervention and Management" course (NURS8205) in the Spring 2025 semester. Participants will be randomly assigned into intervention and control groups, stratified by tutorial group, and balanced across four trained facilitators.

Intervention Group: Receives the AR-enhanced SCC tutorial, which includes the following components:

• Viewing videos of four simulated smoker-patient scenarios.
• Reviewing case-based written materials.
• Interacting with AR animations embedded in the learning platform, which visualize behavioral counselling techniques and simulate patient-provider communication aligned with the 5As model.

Control Group: Receives the standard tutorial format, which includes:

• Viewing the same four smoker videos.
• Reading the same case-based written materials.
• No AR content is provided; instead, supplementary materials unrelated to SCC will be included to maintain time-equivalent exposure.

The intervention has been developed to align with adult learning theory and aims to enhance knowledge retention, skill application, and learner engagement. Tutors leading both intervention and control sessions will receive standardized training to ensure consistency.

Measurement and Data Collection Assessments will be conducted at baseline (pre-intervention), immediately post-intervention, and follow-up at 2-month post-intervention.

Key instruments include:

• Providers Smoking Cessation Training Evaluation (ProSCiTE): This validated tool will be used to assess four constructs: knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy, and SCC behavior. It serves as the primary tool for evaluating changes in KAP and self-efficacy.
• Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS): Based on Keller's ARCS model (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction), IMMS will measure students' engagement, satisfaction, and motivation related to the learning materials.

Data Analysis Data will be analyzed using SPSS for Windows version 20. Descriptive statistics (means, SDs, frequencies, and percentages) will summarize baseline characteristics and outcome variables.

Intention-to-treat analysis will be applied, where participants lost to follow-up will be assumed to have no change from baseline scores.

Independent t-tests and chi-square tests will compare primary and secondary outcomes between groups.

Effect sizes will be calculated:

Cohen's d for standardized pre-post mean differences. Cohen's f for evaluating the intervention effect size in linear mixed-effects models, which will control for repeated measures and potential clustering effects (e.g., by tutorial group or tutor).

These models will assess both:

Main effect of the intervention (between-group differences). Interaction effect between group and time (i.e., whether change over time differs between groups).

Expected Impact

It is anticipated that the AR-based intervention will lead to:

Increased self-efficacy in delivering SCC using the 5As model. Enhanced knowledge and positive attitudes toward smoking cessation. Improved SCC practice behaviors during clinical placements. Greater learner motivation and satisfaction compared to traditional tutorial methods.

This innovative pedagogical approach aligns with contemporary nursing education trends and aims to equip future nurses with effective behavioral counselling skills to address tobacco dependence.

Inclusion criteria

• master nursing students (1-2 years)
• able to read, understand, and write in English
• willing to participate in this study

Exclusion criteria

• students who have taken any training courses in the past 6 months.