The effects of an augmented reality application developed for paediatric first aid training on the knowledge and skill levels of nursing students: An experimental controlled study.

BACKGROUND

The purpose of the present research was to develop an augmented reality paediatric first aid training system to investigate the effects of such a system on the knowledge, skill levels, and self-confidence of nursing students in first-aid practices.

OBJECTIVE

This controlled experiment was conducted at a junior college. Ninety-five fourth-year nursing students participated in this study; 46 in the experimental group and 49 in the control group.

DESIGN AND METHODS

Data were collected using the Paediatric First Aid Knowledge Scale, Visual Analogue Scale of Self-Confidence and First Aid Practice Evaluation Checklist and pre- and post-test analyses were performed. The experimental group used the augmented reality application for paediatric first aid training, while the control group used a traditional method.

RESULTS

There was no statistically significant difference between the students' pre-test scores in both groups, indicating that the students had similar levels of knowledge of paediatric first aid before the intervention. The post-test of the paediatric first aid knowledge results showed that students in the experimental group significantly outperformed those in the control group (p < .05). A significant difference was found in the first aid skills between the groups (p < .001). Additionally, the students in the experimental group stated that the augmented reality application significantly improved their self-confidence in performing paediatric emergency care (p < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The augmented reality application had a positive effect on the knowledge and skill levels of nursing students regarding first aid practices. This study suggests that augmented reality is a valuable teaching tool in many areas of nursing education.