Augmented Reality and 3D Model-Based Ventrogluteal Injection Training in Nursing Students (AR3D-VGI)

Karabuk University

Status: Not yet enrolling

Conditions: Intramuscular Injection; Student Satisfaction; Ventrogluteal Injection; Knowledge Acquisition; Anxiety; Nursing Education; Clinical Skills Training

Treatments: Device: Augmented Reality Group; Device: 3D Model Group

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07583537

2025/2658 (Other Identifier)

Details and patient eligibility

About

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a skills training program-conducted using augmented reality (AR) and 3D model technologies-on first-year nursing students' knowledge, skills, anxiety, and satisfaction, as well as the retention of learning, regarding the correct identification of the injection site and the application of the correct technique for intramuscular (IM) injections in the deltoid (VG) region. The hypotheses of the study are as follows:

H1: There is a difference in knowledge scores regarding the administration of intramuscular injections into the ventrogluteal region between the AR group and the control group.

H2: There is a difference in skill scores regarding the administration of intramuscular injections into the ventrogluteal region between the AR and control groups.

H3: There is a difference in state anxiety scores regarding the administration of intramuscular injections into the ventrogluteal region between the AR and control groups.

H4: There is a difference in satisfaction scores regarding training methods for intramuscular injection into the ventrogluteal region between the AR and the control group.

H5: There is a difference in knowledge scores regarding intramuscular injection into the ventrogluteal region between the 3D Model group and the control group.

H6: There is a difference in skill scores regarding intramuscular injection into the ventrogluteal region between the 3D Model group and the control group.

H7: There is a difference in state anxiety scores regarding intramuscular injection into the ventrogluteal region between the 3D Model group and the control group.

H8: There is a difference in satisfaction scores regarding training methods for intramuscular injection into the ventrogluteal region between the 3D Model group and the control group.

H9: There is a difference in retention scores regarding knowledge of intramuscular injection into the ventrogluteal region between the AR and control groups.

H10: There is a difference in retention scores regarding knowledge of intramuscular injection into the ventrogluteal region between the 3D Model and control groups.

H11: There is a difference in skill retention scores regarding the application of intramuscular injection into the ventrogluteal region between the AR and the control group.

H12: There is a difference in skill retention scores regarding the application of intramuscular injection into the ventrogluteal region between the 3D Model and the control group.

After providing theoretical training to the entire group, the researcher will randomly assign participants and have them practice using the AR, a 3D hip model, and a traditional model. After four weeks, the researcher will assess retention.

Full description

One of the most common routes nurses use to administer medications is the intramuscular injection. The literature recommends the ventrogluteal region as the safest site for intramuscular injections. However, this site is not widely used in clinical practice, leading to patients experiencing numerous complications related to intramuscular injections. For this reason, it is considered important to teach nursing students-who will become the nurses of the future-how to perform intramuscular injections into the ventrogluteal region using the correct technique. This way, nursing students will be able to administer medications safely when they begin their careers. Based on this perspective, it was believed that integrating technology into educational processes could facilitate more effective and student-centered learning. To integrate technology into educational processes, it was decided to use an AR-enabled 3D-printed hip model. Since intramuscular injection training in the ventrogluteal region is taught in the Fundamentals of Nursing course, first-year nursing students were included in the study. This research is a randomized controlled trial using AR and 3D modeling technologies.The study will be conducted with first-year nursing students during the spring semester of the 2025-2026 academic year.

Enrollment: 158 estimated patients

Sex: All

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Be enrolled as a first-year student in the Department of Nursing at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Karabük University, during the spring semester of the 2025-2026 academic year.
• Have taken the "Fundamentals of Nursing" course for the first time.
• Have not previously received training in the skill of administering IM injections,
• Be able to speak and understand Turkish.
• Be willing to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Failing to complete the research data collection forms in full,
• Having previously taken the "Fundamentals of Nursing" course,
• Withdrawing from the study.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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158 participants in 3 patient groups

Augmented Reality Group

Experimental group

Description:

The AR software was developed by a computer engineer using the Unity 3D program. The researcher provided the developer with images of the ventrogluteal region and demonstrated the steps for performing an intramuscular injection into the ventrogluteal region via video. The developed AR software was ported to the Meta Quest 3 headset, which supports both virtual reality and augmented reality. With the Meta Quest 3 headset, students will be able to view virtual images in a real-world environment and perform the procedure using their hands.

Treatment:

Device: Augmented Reality Group

3D Model Group

Experimental group

Description:

A 3D scanner and a Creality K2 Plus 3D printer located at the Iron and Steel Institute of Karabük University were used. First, the hip model located in the Anatomy Laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine at Karabük University was scanned using the 3D scanner's Blue Laser mode. Subsequently, the 3D model of the scanned hip was processed using 3D software on a computer to define dimensions, create the injection site, and determine the print slices, thereby designing the final pre-print configuration. The model was printed in four parts using the Creality K2 Plus 3D Printer and assembled to create the final model. The left side of the 3D hip model was designed to display anatomical structures for regional training, while the right side was designed to accommodate an injection port for IM injections into the VG region.

Treatment:

Device: 3D Model Group

Control group

No Intervention group

Description:

In accordance with traditional educational methods, students will perform an intramuscular injection into the ventrogluteal region using the model in the laboratory, following the step-by-step procedure.