NCT07488390

Escape Room Simulation vs Case-Based Learning for Vital Sign Measurement in Nursing Students

Selecting the Correct Anatomical Site for Vital Sign Measurement in Different Clinical Conditions: A Mixed-Methods Study Based on Escape Room Simulation Experience

• Status: Active Not Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 45 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Acibadem University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Accepted

Summary

This study compares two teaching methods for helping first-year nursing students learn how to select the correct anatomical site for vital sign measurement in different clinical conditions. Students will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: an escape room simulation group or a case-based learning group. Both groups will receive the same clinical content. Knowledge levels and anxiety will be measured before and after the intervention. Students in the escape room group will also complete scales measuring their gaming experience and satisfaction with learning. Additionally, focus group interviews will be conducted with escape room participants to explore their learning experiences in depth. The study uses a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design.

Detailed description

This sequential explanatory mixed-methods study aims to compare the effects of an escape room simulation and case-based learning on first-year nursing students' knowledge and anxiety regarding the selection of the correct anatomical site for vital sign measurement across different clinical conditions. The study will be conducted at Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University, Department of Nursing and the CASE Advanced Simulation and Education Center during the 2025-2026 academic year fall semester. Eligible participants are first-year nursing students enrolled in the "Health Assessment" course (N≈101). Participants will be randomly assigned using a computer-generated random number table to either the intervention group (escape room simulation) or the control group (case-based learning). Both groups will work through identical clinical case content involving conditions such as post-mastectomy status, arteriovenous fistula, hemiplegia, oxygen therapy, obesity, and nail polish presence. In the intervention group, students will solve clinical scenarios through an escape room format in teams of 4-5, followed by a 30-minute structured debriefing session. In the control group, students will discuss the same cases in educator-guided sessions lasting 30-35 minutes. Data will be collected using a Descriptive Characteristics Form, a Knowledge Test (10-item multiple choice, pre- and post-test), the Gameful Experience Scale (GAMEX), the Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Qualitative data will be collected via semi-structured focus group interviews with escape room participants and analyzed using content analysis. Sample size was calculated using G\*Power 3.1 (α=0.05, power=0.80, Cohen's d=0.60), indicating a minimum of 45 participants per group (total n=90). The study will be conducted in accordance with the CONSORT guidelines and ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Conditions

• Nursing Education
• Vital Signs
• Simulation Based Learning

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
BEHAVIORAL	Escape Room Simulation	A vital sign-themed escape room simulation in which students work in teams to solve clinical scenarios requiring selection of the correct anatomical measurement site. Followed by structured debriefing.
BEHAVIORAL	Case-Based Learning	Educator-guided group discussion of identical clinical cases involving vital sign measurement site selection under various clinical conditions.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-01-01
• Primary completion: 2026-03-30
• Completion: 2026-12-30
• First posted: 2026-03-23
• Last updated: 2026-03-23

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)