Vaginal breech birth management educational mobile game design and evaluation for midwifery students

Aim: This research aimed to develop educational mobile game for midwifery students focused on the management of vaginal breech birth (MVBB) and to assess the impact of this game-supported instruction on learning. Method: In the preparatory phase of the study, educational mobile game for VBBM was developed for midwives. The implementation phase was conducted as prospective, pretest-posttest designed, randomized controlled quasi-experimental study. Between February and December 2022, 79 third-year students (game group=39, control group=40) enrolled in the Midwifery Department at Kocaeli University Faculty of Health Sciences participated. Students in the game group received MVBB training through the educational mobile game, while those in the control group received traditional teaching methods. Data were collected using the Introductory Features Form, MVBB Knowledge Test, Course Activity Evaluation Form, Course General Satisfaction Level Test, and Vaginal Breech Birth Management Mobile Game Evaluation Form. Results: It was observed that the median score of the MVBB knowledge posttest for students in the game group was significantly higher than that of the control group (p<0.05). However, there was no statistical significance in the median scores between the game and control groups for MVBB permanence test-1 and MVBB permanence test-2 (p>0.05). Over time, decrease in scores was noted for participants in both groups. Conclusion: The study revealed that the developed educational mobile game increased students' MVBB knowledge levels but was not effective in the long-term retention of knowledge. It is recommended to integrate the educational mobile game developed for MVBB teaching into traditional teaching methods as reinforcing tool.