The effect of mobile augmented reality application developed for injections on the knowledge and skill levels of...

To evaluate the effect of Mobile Augmented Reality (MAR) educational materials on the knowledge and skill levels of nursing students on injection practices.

This controlled experimental study was carried out with 122 first-year nursing students, 64 of whom were included in the experimental group and 58 in the control group. Data were collected between March and April 2018 using an information form, a pre-test, a post-test, a persistence test, and injection evaluation checklists. In the study, the experimental group used MAR applications and the control group used traditional teaching methods in learning injection practices.

There was no statistically significant difference between the pre-test scores of the students in the experimental and control groups, which determined the knowledge level of subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intravenous injections before the lesson (p > 0.05). After the lesson, it was found statistically significant that the post-test and persistence test scores of students in the experimental group were higher than the control group (p < 0.05). In the first and second/persistence skill evaluations, the injection skill scores of the students in the experimental group were higher than the control group (p < 0.05), which was also statistically significant. In addition, the students in the experimental group stated that MAR applications increased their motivation and self-confidence and reduced their concerns.

It was determined that MAR applications had a positive effect on the knowledge and skill levels of nursing students regarding injection practices and provided persistence in the learned knowledge and skills.