Animation-Based Orotracheal Suction Training for Expert Nurses

Overview

This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the effect of animation-based orotracheal suction training on the clinical reasoning competency and knowledge levels of expert pediatric nurses. Orotracheal suctioning is a complex and invasive nursing procedure requiring advanced clinical reasoning, rapid decision-making, and patient safety awareness. Although digital learning approaches are increasingly used in nursing education, evidence regarding their effectiveness among expert nurses remains limited. A total of 66 pediatric nurses with at least five years of clinical experience and classified as expert nurses according to Patricia Benner's Novice-to-Expert Model were randomly assigned to either an intervention group receiving animation-based mobile training or a control group receiving PowerPoint-supported traditional training. Clinical reasoning competency and knowledge regarding orotracheal suctioning were assessed before and after the educational intervention.

Background: Orotracheal suctioning is an essential but invasive nursing intervention frequently performed in pediatric clinical settings. Safe and effective implementation of this procedure requires advanced clinical reasoning skills, prioritization, rapid decision-making, and patient safety awareness. Expert nurses are expected to integrate experiential knowledge and clinical judgment during such complex procedures. However, traditional in-service educational approaches may not sufficiently support the development of clinical reasoning competencies. Animation-based educational technologies provide opportunities for repeated observation, visualization of procedural steps, and reinforcement of clinical decision-making processes. Despite increasing interest in digital educational approaches, evidence regarding their effectiveness among expert nurses remains limited. Objective: This study aimed to examine the effect of animation-based orotracheal suction training on expert nurses' clinical reasoning competency and knowledge regarding orotracheal suctioning. Methods: This study was designed as a single-blind, parallel-group, pretest-posttest randomized controlled trial. The study was conducted between January and April 2026 in pediatric clinics of a city hospital in Istanbul, Türkiye. Participants were pediatric nurses with at least five years of clinical nursing experience who met the expert-level criteria defined by Patricia Benner's Novice-to-Expert Model. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (animation-based mobile training) or the control group (PowerPoint-supported traditional training). Data were collected using a Descriptive Characteristics Form, the Orotracheal Suction Knowledge Test, and the Clinical Reasoning Competency Scale for Nurses. Outcomes were evaluated before and after the intervention. Primary Outcome: Clinical reasoning competency measured by the Clinical Reasoning Competency Scale for Nurses. Secondary Outcome: Knowledge regarding orotracheal suctioning measured using the Orotracheal Suction Knowledge Test. Significance: The findings of this study are expected to contribute to the development of innovative, technology-enhanced educational strategies aimed at strengthening clinical reasoning, decision-making, and patient safety among expert nurses.