The Efficacy of a Mobile Augmented Reality Application in Improving Nursing Students' Knowledge, Skills, and Motivation in Pressure Injury Assessment: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a mobile augmented reality application on nursing students' knowledge, skills, and motivation related to pressure injuries. Methods: This randomized controlled quasi-experimental study was conducted with 130 first-year nursing students from a university in Turkey. Students in the intervention group received training on pressure injury prevention using a mobile augmented reality application, while the control group followed traditional teaching methods. The data collection process included three stages: preparation and pre-application, theoretical and laboratory training, and skill assessment. Ethical approval was secured from the relevant committee and institution prior to the study. Data analysis utilized descriptive statistics such as number, percentage, minimum and maximum values, median, mean, and standard deviation, as well as independent t-tests and paired sample t-tests. Results: The study revealed that the post-test total knowledge scores for pressure injury prevention were comparable between the intervention and control groups. However, the intervention group demonstrated significantly higher mean performance scores in pressure injury assessment skills compared to the control group (p = 0.000). Additionally, the mean motivation scores of the intervention group were found to be significantly greater than those of the control group (p = 0.000). Conclusions: As a result of this study, it was found that the education provided using a mobile augmented reality application increased nursing students' skill levels and motivation regarding pressure injuries.