The effect of computer-based simulation training on aspiration skills and general self-efficacy beliefs of nursing students: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Endotracheal suctioning is a complex clinical skill that nursing students must master. This research investigated the impact of computer-assisted simulation training on students’ aspiration skills and their overall self-efficacy levels. A randomized experimental study was conducted with 70 nursing students enrolled in a public university. Data were collected between November 20 and December 20, 2024, through the Student Information Form, Aspiration Skill Self-Assessment Form, and General Self-Efficacy Scale. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 25. Participants had a mean age of 20.47 ± 1.22 years; 68.6% (n=48) were female, and 78.6% (n=55) had graduated from Anatolian high schools. Of the students, 75.7% (n=53) stated that they had chosen the nursing program voluntarily, and the mean fear score related to performing nursing interventions was 3.74. Following the training, the experimental group achieved significantly higher scores in both aspiration skill self-assessment and the general self-efficacy scale compared with the control group (p<0.05). Findings indicate that computer-assisted simulation is an effective method for developing endotracheal aspiration competencies in nursing education.