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NCT Number: NCT07423702

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

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Surgical Site Infection Prevention Infections Nursing Education Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Postoperative Complications Surgical Wound Infection Wound Infection

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Van Yuzuncu Yil University

Van, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location status: Recruiting

About this study

This mixed-methods randomized controlled trial is designed to compare the effectiveness of digital game-based learning with traditional theoretical education in teaching surgical site infection prevention interventions to second-year nursing students.

Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving digital game-based learning or a control group receiving instructor-led theoretical education based on current guidelines. Quantitative data will be collected using a three-time-point measurement design, including baseline assessment, a post-intervention assessment at the 4th week, and a follow-up assessment at the 8th week to evaluate knowledge retention and cognitive load associated with the learning process.

To complement the quantitative findings, a qualitative component will be conducted with students from the digital game-based learning group. Semi-structured interviews will be used to explore students' experiences, perceived benefits, and challenges related to the digital learning intervention. Qualitative data will be analyzed using thematic analysis.

By integrating quantitative and qualitative data, this study aims to provide a comprehensive evaluation of digital game-based learning as an innovative educational approach for teaching surgical site infection prevention in nursing education.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • 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

Exclusion criteria

  • 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

Treatment and study plan

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.

Other names: SSI Prevention Digital Game

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.

Primary outcomes

  1. Knowledge of Surgical Site Infection Prevention

    Time frame: Baseline (pre-test), 4 weeks, and 8 weeks

    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.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Cognitive Load

    Time frame: 4 weeks, and 8 weeks

    This outcome measure will assess participants' perceived cognitive load during the learning process using the Paas Cognitive Load Scale. The scale consists of a single-item, 9-point rating scale that measures the mental effort invested during learning (1 = very, very low mental effort; 9 = very, very high mental effort). Cognitive load assessments will be conducted at 4 weeks and at the 8-week follow-up.

Other outcomes

  1. Digital Game-Based Learning Experiences (Qualitative Interviews)

    Time frame: After completion of the 8-week quantitative follow-up assessments

    This outcome explores nursing students' experiences, perceptions, and views regarding the digital game-based learning intervention. Qualitative data will be collected through semi-structured individual interviews conducted with a purposive subsample of participants after completion of the 8-week quantitative follow-up assessments and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Hatice Akaltun, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

05425955326

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

hatice akaltun

Other

Collaborators

  • Yuzuncu Yil University

Registry information

Official study title

Effectiveness of Digital Game-Based Learning for Teaching Surgical Site Infection Prevention Interventions: A Mixed-Methods Randomized Controlled Trial

Acronym: PreSSI-DGBL

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Feb 20, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 23, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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