Comparison of Game-Based Learning and Model Arm Practice for Teaching Intravenous Cannulation to Dental Students

NCT ID: NCT07060924

Last Updated: 2025-07-16

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 60 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2025-04-20
• Study Completion Date: 2025-06-20

Brief Summary

This randomized controlled study aimed to compare the effectiveness of game-based learning (GBL) and model arm practice in teaching peripheral intravenous cannulation (PIVC) skills to final-year dental students. Sixty participants were randomly assigned to two groups. The impact of each method was assessed in terms of procedural success, anxiety levels (STAI), self-confidence (VAS), and student satisfaction.

Detailed Description

Peripheral intravenous cannulation (PIVC) is a complex procedure now integrated into the Turkish National Dental Curriculum (DUÇEP). This study compared the effectiveness of GBL using the 3D Medsim platform and model arm practice in training students on PIVC. Participants were final-year dental students with no prior PIVC experience. Pre- and post-intervention evaluations included procedural success (simulation or model), anxiety (STAI), self-confidence (VAS), and satisfaction (Likert scale). Clinical success was also monitored.

Conditions

Dental Education and Special Care Dentistry

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: OTHER
• Blinding Strategy: NONE

Study Groups

Arm A (GBL Group)

Training with 3D Medsim game-based platform for intravenous cannulation before patient application

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Game-Based Learning (GBL)

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Participants in this group received practical training in peripheral intravenous cannulation (PIVC) using a game-based learning (GBL) simulation platform called 3D Medsim. The platform offered a scenario-based training environment that included a structured sequence of pre-test, simulated procedural performance, and post-test. Students were required to perform virtual tasks such as preparing the patient, selecting the correct equipment, identifying the puncture site, and performing cannulation. The simulation provided interactive feedback and scoring. The application was accessible via PC, tablet, or smartphone, allowing students to practice flexibly. Training was conducted under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.

Arm B (Model Arm Group)

Practical training on a circulation model arm for intravenous cannulation before patient application

Group Type: EXPERIMENTAL

Model Arm Practice

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Participants in this group practiced PIVC using a high-fidelity model arm simulator designed to replicate human anatomy and venous access. The training model included artificial veins (basilic, cephalic, median cubital, and metacarpal) with realistic skin layers and a circulation system that mimicked blood flow. Students practiced cannulation techniques including vein localization, needle insertion, and catheter placement. The hands-on training provided tactile and visual feedback, and all procedures were supervised by an anesthesiologist. This method aimed to develop psychomotor skills and confidence through realistic simulation.

Interventions

Game-Based Learning (GBL)

Participants in this group received practical training in peripheral intravenous cannulation (PIVC) using a game-based learning (GBL) simulation platform called 3D Medsim. The platform offered a scenario-based training environment that included a structured sequence of pre-test, simulated procedural performance, and post-test. Students were required to perform virtual tasks such as preparing the patient, selecting the correct equipment, identifying the puncture site, and performing cannulation. The simulation provided interactive feedback and scoring. The application was accessible via PC, tablet, or smartphone, allowing students to practice flexibly. Training was conducted under the supervision of an anesthesiologist.

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Model Arm Practice

Participants in this group practiced PIVC using a high-fidelity model arm simulator designed to replicate human anatomy and venous access. The training model included artificial veins (basilic, cephalic, median cubital, and metacarpal) with realistic skin layers and a circulation system that mimicked blood flow. Students practiced cannulation techniques including vein localization, needle insertion, and catheter placement. The hands-on training provided tactile and visual feedback, and all procedures were supervised by an anesthesiologist. This method aimed to develop psychomotor skills and confidence through realistic simulation.

Intervention Type: BEHAVIORAL

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Final-year dental students at Ankara University
• No prior experience with PIVC
• Volunteered and provided informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

• Any prior practical experience in intravenous cannulation
• Refusal to participate

• Eligible Sex: ALL
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

Ankara University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Cagil Vural

Associated Professor

Responsibility Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Locations

Ankara University, Faculty of Dentistry

Ankara, , Turkey (Türkiye)

Countries

Turkey (Türkiye)

Other Identifiers

AnkaraU 8/23

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id