Gamification of intravenous fluid therapy and examining the effect of game-based learning on nursing students' learning outcomes

This study was conducted to gamify peripheral intravenous catheterization (PIVC) and intravenous (IV) fluid therapy and to examine the effects of game-based learning on nursing students' learning outcomes using quantitative and qualitative research designs between August 2022 and February 2024. This study gamified the PIVC and IV fluid therapy, and the usability analysis of 3D simulation game was conducted using Demographic Form, Game Evaluation Questionnaire and GUESS-20-TR Scale with nursing faculties and nursing students. The final version of the game was completed based on usability analysis findings. A study using pre-experimental research design was conducted with the voluntary 63 students who successfully completed the Fundamentals of Nursing Course. Data was collected using Demographic Form, IV Fluid Therapy Knowledge Test, IV Fluid Therapy Skill Checklist, and Academic Motivation Scale. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, Kolmogrov Smirnov test, paired-sample t-test, Wilcoxon test, McNemar-Bowker test ve McNemar test. Qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with 13 volunteer students participating in the quantitative research. Data were analyzed using deductive approach and descriptive thematic analysis. According to the findings of the quantitative study, gamification significantly increased the knowledge and skills scores of nursing students as well as the intrinsic motivation-to-know and extrinsic motivation- introjected regulation scores. The qualitative results indicated that students highlighted the strengths and areas of improvement of the game and stated that they reinforced their theoretical knowledge by performing the procedures step-by-step and experienced an enjoyable instructive learning process. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended to integrate game-based learning into nursing curriculum for teaching PIVC and IV fluid therapy.