Peer education, role-play simulation, and virtual escape room: Comparing effects on therapeutic interaction skills in nursing students: A randomized controlled trial
Clinical Simulation in Nursing, vol.115, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 115
- Publication Date: 2026
- Doi Number: 10.1016/j.ecns.2026.101973
- Journal Name: Clinical Simulation in Nursing
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL
- Keywords: Escape room, Nursing education, Peer education, Simulation, Therapeutic interaction, Virtual
- Kütahya Health Sciences University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Background: Therapeutic nurse-patient interaction represents a fundamental nursing competency with student deficiencies. Comparing innovative versus traditional instruction methodologies. Methods: Randomized controlled trial with 140 second-year nursing students allocated to control, peer education, role-play, and escape room groups (n = 35 each). Validated Nurse-Patient Therapeutic Interaction Scale was administered pre- and postintervention. Results: All interventions achieved improvements: peer education (p < .001), role-play simulation (p < .001), and virtual escape rooms (p = .018). Control showed no change (p = .394). All interventions outperformed controls. Conclusions: Innovative pedagogical approaches enhanced therapeutic interaction competencies. Peer education demonstrated superiority, supporting active learning in nursing curricula.