Pediatric Orotracheal Suctioning Training Using a Benner Model-Based Augmented Reality Application

This study evaluated the effect of a Benner model-based augmented reality (AR) training module on undergraduate nursing students' knowledge and procedural skills in pediatric endotracheal suctioning of orally intubated patients. The study used a two-arm randomized controlled design within a convergent mixed-methods framework. It was conducted among undergraduate nursing students enrolled in the Pediatric Nursing Practice course at Istanbul Medipol University, Türkiye. A total of 66 students were randomized to an intervention group receiving Benner model-based AR training (n = 33) or a control group receiving conventional mannequin-based training (n = 33). Knowledge was assessed using a 20-item multiple-choice test, and procedural skills were evaluated using a 25-step assessment form before and after training. Sixty-one students completed the assessments and were included in the quantitative analysis (intervention, n = 30; control, n = 31). Individual semi-structured interviews were also conducted with 10 volunteers from the intervention group to explore their experiences with AR-based training.

Inclusion Criteria: * Undergraduate nursing students enrolled in the Pediatric Nursing Practice course. * Voluntary agreement to participate in the study. * Sufficient Turkish language proficiency to understand the instructional materials and complete the assessments. * No hearing, visual, or fine motor impairments. Exclusion Criteria: \- Students who had previously completed or repeated the Pediatric Nursing Practice course.