VR Goggles-Supported Virtual Reality Model in Midwifery Basic Clinical Skills Training

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual reality (VR)-based training model supported by VR goggles in improving basic clinical skills among midwifery students. Traditional skills training in midwifery education can be limited by time, instructor availability, and opportunities for repeated practice. VR technology offers an immersive, standardized, and repeatable learning environment that may enhance skill development and learner engagement.

In this study, midwifery students will be randomly assigned to either the VR training group or the traditional training group. Participants in the VR group will practice selected basic clinical skills using a VR goggle-supported simulation model, while the control group will receive standard skills laboratory training. Both groups will be evaluated through objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), self-confidence scales, and skill performance checklists.

The study aims to determine whether VR-enhanced training improves clinical skill acquisition, performance accuracy, and learner confidence compared with traditional methods. Findings from this research may help inform modern, technology-supported approaches to midwifery education.

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Key information

Conditions

Clinical Skills Training Midwifery Education

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Gaziantep University

Gaziantep, 27310, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

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

Inclusion criteria

Currently enrolled as an undergraduate midwifery student at Gaziantep University.
Registered in or scheduled to take the "Basic Clinical Skills" course during the study period.
Aged 18 years or older.
Able to provide informed consent and willing to participate throughout the study.
Has no previous formal training with virtual reality (VR) simulation related to midwifery clinical skills.
Able to use VR goggles safely (no known conditions that prevent VR use, such as severe motion sickness).

Exclusion criteria

A diagnosed visual, neurological, or vestibular disorder that may interfere with VR use (e.g., epilepsy, severe vertigo).
A history of severe motion sickness symptoms triggered by digital screens or VR environments.
Participated previously in a pilot version of the VR training module.
Currently taking a leave of absence or not actively attending coursework.

Treatment and study plan

VR Goggle-Assisted Simulation Training

Behavioral

The VR-based training intervention includes an immersive Virtual Reality clinical skills module delivered through VR goggles. Participants receive structured, scenario-based training covering basic midwifery clinical skills, such as hand hygiene, aseptic technique, vital signs assessment, perineal care, and safe birth positioning. Each session is conducted using interactive 3D simulations that allow learners to observe, practice, and repeat psychomotor and decision-making steps in a risk-free virtual environment. The training is standardized across participants, lasts approximately 30 minutes per session, and is delivered by an instructor trained in VR-assisted education.

Standard Clinical Skills Training

Behavioral

Participants in this Arm will receive standard midwifery basic clinical skills training through conventional laboratory practice without VR exposure. Training content follows the curriculum guidelines and emphasizes hands-on skill development using standard educational materials and instructor demonstrations.

Primary outcomes

Improvement in Basic Midwifery Clinical Skills Performance

Time frame: Baseline (pre-training) and immediately post-training (within 1 week after completion of the training program)

Performance in core midwifery clinical skills (e.g., abdominal examination, Leopold maneuvers, vital signs assessment, hand hygiene, perineal care, and communication skills) will be evaluated using a validated Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) checklist. Higher scores indicate better skill performance. Student satisfaction and self-confidence in learning will be evaluated using the "Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale," which consists of 13 items rated on a five-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). The total score ranges from 13 (minimum) to 65 (maximum), and higher scores indicate greater satisfaction with the instructional experience and higher self-confidence in learning.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Gaziantep

Other

Registry information

Official study title

VR Goggles-Supported Virtual Reality Model in Midwifery Basic Clinical Skills Training: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start: 2025
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Dec 3, 2025
Registry last updated: Apr 16, 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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