Comparison of the effectiveness of the virtual simulator and video-assisted teaching on intravenous catheter insertion skills and self-confidence: A quasi-experimental study.

BACKGROUND

With the advancement of technology, methods such as clinical scenarios, role playing, video demonstration and simulation are now used to develop psychomotor skills in nursing education. Virtual reality and video-assisted teaching are useful technologies for the development of skills and self-confidence. In the literature, there is a lack of studies comparing the effects of the two methods.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of study is to compare the effect of the virtual simulator and video assisted teaching on the level of intravenous catheterization skills and self-confidence of nursing students. Thus, students are enabled to develop skills and work efficiently without the need for an instructor.

METHODS

This study was a randomized controlled quasi-experimental study. A total of 60 students was included in the study (30 in the virtual simulator group and 30 in the video group). In the virtual simulator group, each student performed an intravenous catheter insertion in the virtual intravenous simulator. In the video group, each student watched a training video on the peripheral intravenous catheterization skill in a classroom setting. Each of the students' level of intravenous catheterization knowledge, psychomotor skill and self-confidence score was evaluated.

RESULTS

Post-test knowledge scores was higher than pretest knowledge scores for both groups. There were no significant difference between the groups in terms of post-test scores. Students' scores of psychomotor skills were found to be higher in the virtual simulator group and self-confidence scores were similar in both groups.

CONCLUSION

Teaching with the virtual simulator contributed to the students' skills more than the method used in the video training. Both methods are effective in the development of knowledge and self-confidence related to intravenous catheterization.