The Effect of Gamified Metaverse-Based Training on Nursing Students' Self-Efficacy and Metaverse Perception Regarding Pressure Injury Management: A Randomized Controlled Study

Introduction: Pressure ulcers are a largely preventable clinical problem that negatively impacts the quality of patient care and constitutes a significant economic burden for healthcare systems. The prevention and effective management of these ulcers are closely related to nurses' knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy levels. However, current nursing education programs show a limited number of practice-based and interactive training approaches for the prevention and management of pressure ulcers. In recent years, innovative and technology-supported training methods such as gamification and metaverse have emerged as promising approaches for improving students' knowledge and self-efficacy levels by increasing their active participation in learning processes. Aim: The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of gamified metaverse-based training developed for nursing students on their knowledge level, academic self-efficacy, and metaverse perception regarding pressure ulcer management.

Method: The research was planned as a randomized controlled experimental design. The population of the study will consist of students studying in the nursing department. The sample size was calculated using G*Power based on PUKAT 2.0-T scores; Assuming a two-way α=0.05 and power=0.80, at least 26 participants were selected for each group, and the total sample size was planned as 60 students, taking into account possible losses. Participants will be administered a Demographic Information Form, the Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Level Assessment Tool 2.0-Updated Version (PUKAT 2.0-T), and the Nursing Students Academic Self-Efficacy Scale. Participants will be randomly assigned to intervention and control groups based on their pre-test scores. The intervention group will receive traditional classroom theoretical training and gamified metaverse-based training for two weeks, while the control group will receive traditional classroom theoretical training. Post-tests will be administered immediately after the intervention and one month later. In addition, the Metaverse Perception Scale will be administered to the intervention group. Data will be collected using the Pressure Ulcer Knowledge Assessment Tool 2.0-Updated Version (PUKAT 2.0-T), the Nursing Students Academic Self-Efficacy Scale, and the Metaverse Perception Scale for Nursing Students.

Results: The obtained data will be analyzed using appropriate statistical methods.

Conclusion: This research is expected to provide evidence regarding the effectiveness of innovative digital education models in nursing education and contribute to the development of educational strategies for the prevention of pressure ulcers.