The Effectiveness of Computer-Assisted Instruction for Caring Nasogastric Tube: a Randomized Controlled Study

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) with traditional instruction for the training of nurse assistant students in the care of patients with nasogastric tube (NG tube). Methods: Nurse assistant students were randomized to either the CAI group or the control group. Student academic performances, including both the theoretical and practical parts were observed. Results: 170 participants were enrolled in this study and were equally randomized to CAI group (n=85) and the control group (n=85). 24.7% of CAI group (24/85) and 14.1% of control group (12/85) passed both examinations (Difference 10.6% (95% CI: -1.37% to 22.57%), p = 0.081). Interestingly, 54.1% of the CAI group whereas only 35.3% of the control group passed the theoretical part examination (Difference 18.8% (95% CI: 3.8% to 33.0%, p = 0.041). For practical part, 64.7% of the CAI group and 58.8% of the control group passed the examination (Difference 5.9% (95% CI: -8.73% to 20.26%, p = 0.430). Conclusion: For nurse assistant students, CAI for caring the patients with NG tube did not demonstrate benefit for the whole examination. However, CAI seemed to offer some benefit for teaching especially the theoretical part.