Simulation and Video Training for Phlebitis Recognition and Clinical Decision-Making in Nursing Students

Summary

Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are widely used for vascular access and represent one of the most common invasive procedures in hospitalized patients. Despite their clinical utility, PIVCs are associated with various complications, among which phlebitis is one of the most frequent and clinically significant. Phlebitis, characterized by inflammation of the venous wall, may occur during catheterization or within 24-96 hours after catheter removal and is associated with symptoms such as pain, erythema, swelling, and increased local temperature. Reported incidence rates vary widely in the literature, ranging from 1.5% to 80%, indicating a substantial burden on patient safety and healthcare systems.

PIVC-related complications contribute to prolonged hospital stays, increased healthcare costs, delayed treatment, and reduced patient comfort, while also increasing the workload of healthcare professionals. In this context, early recognition of phlebitis and effective clinical decision-making are critical competencies for nursing students. However, traditional teaching approaches that primarily focus on theoretical knowledge may be insufficient to develop these complex clinical skills.

Innovative, learner-centered educational strategies, such as video-based learning and simulation-based education, offer dynamic and interactive learning environments that promote active engagement and experiential learning. Video-based learning enhances accessibility, flexibility, and student engagement, while simulation-based approaches-particularly those involving standardized patients-provide realistic, safe environments for developing clinical, communication, and decision-making skills.

This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of standardized patient simulation and video-based learning, compared with traditional education, in improving nursing students' ability to recognize PIVC-related phlebitis and enhance their clinical decision-making skills. Secondary outcomes include learning satisfaction and self-confidence.

By integrating evidence-based educational strategies, this study seeks to advance nursing education and contribute to improved patient safety by fostering clinically competent and confident future nurses.

Conditions

• Phlebitis
• Clinical Decision-Making in Nursing
• Learning Satisfaction and Self-confidence
• Standardized Patient

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

Standardized Patient Simulation

This intervention consists of structured, scenario-based training using standardized patients who are trained to consistently portray clinical manifestations of peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC)-related phlebitis. Participants are required to perform patient assessment, identify clinical signs (e.g., erythema, pain, swelling, warmth), and make appropriate clinical decisions regarding management. The simulation is conducted in a controlled environment and integrates cognitive, psychomotor, and affective learning domains. Each session is followed by a structured debriefing (e.g., PEARLS model) to enhance reflective learning and clinical reasoning.

DEVICE

Video-Based Training

This intervention includes structured video-based educational materials developed to demonstrate the recognition and management of PIVC-related phlebitis. The videos present standardized clinical scenarios with visual and auditory cues, including patient symptoms and appropriate nursing interventions. Participants engage with the content in a guided format, allowing for repeated viewing and cognitive rehearsal. The intervention is designed to enhance knowledge acquisition, clinical reasoning, and learner engagement through flexible and accessible learning.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Aydin Adnan Menderes University

  collaborator OTHER

• Selçuk Görücü

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

25 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-04-12

Primary Completion

2026-04-30

Completion

2026-05-12