From Surface to Deep Learning: Gamified Mobile Education for Subcutaneous and Intramuscular Injection Skills

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Educational Technology
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• Traditional nursing education relies on theoretical and practical components.
• Digital technologies offer innovative methods like game-based learning to enhance skills.
• Mobile applications present opportunities for improving practical nursing competencies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of a game-based mobile application on nursing students' skills in administering subcutaneous (SC) and intramuscular (IM) injections.
• To compare the effectiveness of game-based learning with traditional training methods in nursing education.
• To assess the influence of game-based learning on students' learning approaches and medication administration performance.

Main Methods:

• An experimental study involving a study group (n=64) using a simulation game system and a control group (n=65) using traditional methods.
• Data collection via Self-Demonstration Form, Study Process Questionnaire, and Skills Performance List for SC and IM Administration.
• Assessment of learning approaches and medication administration skills pre- and post-intervention.

Main Results:

• The study group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in learning approaches and medication administration skills compared to the control group.
• Deep learning scores increased substantially in the study group (31.39 to 45.05) versus the control group (31.78 to 37.02) (p < 0.01).
• Significant improvements were observed in SC (p=0.015) and IM (p < 0.001) administration scores for the study group, with scenario-based analyses showing performance gains (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• The HEM-SC-IM game-based mobile application effectively enhanced nursing students' SC and IM injection administration skills.
• Game-based learning offers an interactive and engaging educational experience, fostering deeper understanding and practical skill development.
• Integrating educational technology, such as game-based mobile apps, into nursing curricula can improve learning outcomes and enhance practical competencies.