Application of mobile-based web app to enhance simple suturing skills of nurse practitioners.

BACKGROUND

Suturing is a crucial clinical skill for nurse practitioners (NPs), but the effectiveness of traditional training methods (e.g., physical suture kits combined with video content) is low.

OBJECTIVE

This study compared the effectiveness and usability of a mobile-based web app (MoWa) developed for NPs to learn simple suturing skills with those of traditional instructional video-based training.

METHODS

The MoWa system utilizes mobile devices to simulate hands-on suturing and provides learning guidance and feedback to support self-learning with a physical suturing kit. Fifty-four suturing novices (NPs) were recruited as participants, divided into an experimental group (EG: 28 participants) and a control group (CG: 26 participants), and instructed to self-learn for 3 weeks. Learning effectiveness and system usability were evaluated through a pretest and posttest.

RESULTS

The EG exhibited significant improvements in learning outcomes, self-confidence, self-efficacy, and learning anxiety and expressed satisfaction with the MoWa system. Furthermore, the EG also considerably enhanced learning outcomes, self-efficacy, and learning anxiety compared to the CG, with no significant difference in self-confidence.

CONCLUSION

The MoWa system combined with deliberate practice is an effective strategy for supporting suturing skills training.