Effectiveness of Mobile-Based Learning for Nasogastric Tube Intubation Among Medical Students: A Randomized...

Area of Science:

• Medical Education Technology
• Surgical Skills Training
• Mobile Learning Applications

Background:

• Nasogastric tube (NGT) intubation is a crucial clinical skill with high failure rates and limitations in traditional training resources.
• Developing accessible and effective training methods is essential for medical students to master NGT intubation.
• The Mobile-based Hands-on Learning System for Nasogastric Tube Intubation (MoHoNGT) was created to address these training gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the MoHoNGT mobile application in enhancing undergraduate medical students' NGT intubation training.
• To compare the outcomes of traditional training supplemented with MoHoNGT versus traditional training alone.

Main Methods:

• An open-label, randomized controlled trial involving 73 undergraduate medical students prior to clerkships.
• Participants were assigned to either a control group (traditional training) or an intervention group (traditional training + MoHoNGT).
• Training effectiveness was assessed via knowledge tests, self-confidence scales, and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) performance.

Main Results:

• The MoHoNGT group showed significantly greater improvements in NGT intubation knowledge (38.75 vs. 21.46, p < 0.001) and confidence (8.50 vs. 5.17, p = 0.04).
• Post-study knowledge scores were higher in the MoHoNGT group (69.06 vs. 49.02, p < 0.001).
• The MoHoNGT group achieved superior OSCE performance (98.81 vs. 91.18, p = 0.003).

Conclusions:

• Integrating the MoHoNGT mobile application with traditional methods significantly boosts medical students' NGT intubation knowledge, confidence, and practical skills.
• Mobile-based learning offers a viable solution to overcome limitations associated with conventional NGT intubation training.
• This approach represents a promising strategy for advancing medical education and procedural training.