The Effects of Virtual Reality Simulation, Computer Based Simulation and Low Reality Simulation Methods Used in Urinary Catheterization Training on Skills, Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Nursing Students

The research was designed as a randomized controlled experimental study to determine the effects of virtual reality simulation, computer-based simulation and low-reality simulation methods used in urinary catheterization training on skills, satisfaction and self-confidence in nursing students. The research will be carried out in Çukurova University Health Sciences Faculty Nursing Department Vocational Skills Laboratory in the spring semester of 2022-2023 academic year. The students who will participate in the research do not have clinical practice experience yet.

The computer-based simulation model (S550.100 Noelle, Gynecology Model) to be used in our study consists of the full human body and can produce real human sounds (pain response, fear, etc.). Thus, thanks to the computer connection, the communication between the student and the simulator is increased and the reality of the clinical environment is maintained. Person performing urinary catheterization on the simulator; can feel the resistance of structures such as urethra, sphincter and bladder, which are similar to the anatomical structure of the real patient. When the catheter enters the bladder, as in a real patient, artificial urine (yellow water) flows through the catheter and the catheter balloon can be fully inflated/deflated during catheter insertion/removal.

Considering the technical features of the virtual reality simulator, which is another simulator to be used in our study; Thanks to the glasses used, it is possible to say that the patient and hospital environment are presented to the students in 3D with high reality. With the use of glasses, students will be able to perform urinary catheterization with the joysticks they hold in their hands. Thanks to this technology, it is possible for students to evaluate themselves by facing situations that are difficult to control in real life, as if they are actually experiencing them, to gain the right knowledge and skills through the mistakes they have made, and to gain experience by developing their sense of confidence.

Another simulator to be used in the study is a low-reality hip model. This is a model used to gain the ability to apply urinary catheterization and only female external reproductive organs can be seen. While the catheter moves through the urinary system and enters the bladder, the feeling of resistance and pressure experienced on real patients cannot be experienced. After the catheter is integrated into the external reproductive organ, operations such as seeing its progress along the urethra and bladder, controlling its location and inflating the balloon cannot be performed. It is the traditional method used for urinary catheterization practice training of nursing students.

The sample size was calculated by Power analysis (G*Power 3.1.9.2) based on a similar study done before. Based on the results of students' self-confidence and satisfaction levels, a total of 156 samples were determined for each group with a test power of 0.80, 95% confidence (1-α) and an effect size of f=0.25, with a minimum of 53 samples. identified as a student. In the 2022-2023 academic year, the Department of Nursing enrolled 182 students in the first class. All students who meet the criteria to participate in the research will be assigned to one of the three simulation groups using simple random sampling method. Students will be listed taking into account the last three digits of the school number. The web address https://www.randomizer.org will be used for random assignment.