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NCT Number: NCT06949501

The Effectiveness of Virtual Patient Simulation Versus Peer Simulation in Providing Sexual Counseling During Pregnancy

The aim of this study is to compare, in a multidimensional manner, the effectiveness of different educational methods-virtual patient simulation and peer simulation-in improving sexual counseling skills during pregnancy among nursing faculty students.

The study will evaluate three different training methods: virtual patient simulation, peer simulation conducted in a virtual environment, and face-to-face peer simulation. To determine the effectiveness of peer simulation and virtual patient simulation in sexual health counseling, multimodal data collection and analysis methods will be used. These methods will contribute to the development of counseling skills by examining in detail the verbal and non-verbal communication elements exhibited by participants during their interactions with virtual patients and peers. Throughout the research process, students' demographic characteristics, sexual attitudes and beliefs, sexual counseling skills, learning satisfaction and self-confidence levels, opinions on system usability, eye-tracking data, and body movements will be analyzed.

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Key information

Conditions

Pregnancy Behavior Sexual Behavior Sexuality

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Ankara University Faculty of Nursing

Ankara, Altındağ, 06230, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

  • Having the ability to provide care for pregnant women - Providing informed consent to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

  • Having suspended enrollment or taken a leave of absence from education.
  • Having received formal education aimed at developing sexual counseling skills.
  • Wearing glasses (as it may interfere with the use of wearable eye-tracking systems).

Treatment and study plan

virtual patient simulation

Other

Students in this group are expected to provide sexual counseling to a virtual patient model following theoretical training. In this context, a virtual patient model has been developed with whom the students will engage for the counseling process.

peer simulation conducted in a virtual environment

Other

Students in this group are expected to provide sexual counseling to their peers in a virtual environment following theoretical training. In the virtual peer simulation, students will see the same background displayed in the virtual patient simulation; however, instead of interacting with a virtual patient, they will connect with a peer via an online platform to conduct the counseling session.

face-to-face peer simulation

Other

Students in this group are expected to provide sexual counseling to their peers following theoretical training. In the peer simulation, students will conduct their sessions in a communication skills laboratory designed to resemble a clinical consultation room.

Primary outcomes

  1. Sexual Attitudes and Beliefs

    Time frame: immediately before the training-immediately after the training

    Students' sexual attitudes and beliefs will be assessed using the the sexual attitudes and belief survey. This scale is a six-point Likert-type scale, with scores ranging from a minimum of 12 to a maximum of 72. Higher scores indicate more negative attitudes and beliefs toward sexual care.

  2. Learning Satisfaction and Self-Confidence

    Time frame: immediately after the training

    Learning satisfaction and self-confidence will be measured using the Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale. This scale is a five-point Likert-type scale, with responses ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Higher scores reflect greater student satisfaction and self-confidence in learning.

  3. Sexual Counseling Skills

    Time frame: During simulation

    Students' sexual counseling skills will be assessed using the Sexual Counseling Skills Assessment Form. This form is developed based on the BETTER, PLISSIT, Ex-PLISSIT, and One-to-One models, and it covers the entire counseling process from initiation to conclusion. Each item is scored as 0 (not demonstrated) or 1 (demonstrated). The total score ranges from 0 to 34, with higher scores indicating a higher level of skill. The form will be completed while students simulate their counseling skills.

  4. System Usability Opinions

    Time frame: immediately after the training

    Students' opinions regarding system usability will be assessed using the System Usability Scale (SUS). The SUS is a 10-item instrument scored on a five-point Likert scale. Scores range from a minimum of 10 to a maximum of 100. Higher scores indicate higher perceived usability of the system.

  5. Eye Tracking

    Time frame: During simulation

    Eye tracking parameters in the study will be assessed using a wearable eye-tracking system. This device will analyze the areas of focus during students' interactions with virtual patients and peers. The analysis of gaze points and eye movements will help evaluate the distribution of attention during communication.

  6. Body Movements

    Time frame: During simulation

    Body movements will be evaluated using a motion tracking device. These motion detection systems will analyze body language to assess participants' capacity to establish effective connections with virtual patients and peers. This method aims to evaluate participants' ability to use gestures and body language effectively to build strong relationships with patients.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Ankara University

Other

Collaborators

  • University of Delaware

Registry information

Official study title

The Effectiveness of Virtual Patient Simulation Versus Peer Simulation in Enhancing Attitudes, Beliefs, and Skills in Providing Sexual Counseling During Pregnancy

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Apr 29, 2025
Registry last updated
Apr 30, 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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