Concept Mapping and Gamification in Arterial Blood Gas Analysis Education

Arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis is a complex clinical competency that requires the integrated interpretation of acid-base balance, oxygenation, and ventilation parameters in relation to the clinical presentation. Although various student-centered educational approaches have been used in ABG education, higher-order cognitive outcomes such as problem-solving, decision-making, and long-term retention of learning have received comparatively limited attention. This two-arm, parallel-group randomized controlled trial evaluates the effects of an interactive instructional approach integrating concept mapping and gamification on ABG education among first-year students enrolled in the Anesthesia Program. Participants are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention or control group. Both groups receive one 90-minute educational session per week for four consecutive weeks, with the educational content, learning objectives, duration of instruction, and weekly sequence of topics standardized across groups. The control group receives structured lectures using a traditional instructor-centered teaching approach, supplemented by responses to students' questions and written instructional materials. The intervention group receives an interactive educational program integrating concept mapping, clinical case analysis, Wordwall activities, Kahoot! quizzes, points, digital badges, and a leaderboard. The primary outcome is conceptual knowledge of ABG analysis. Secondary outcomes include clinical scenario interpretation skills, problem-solving ability, and clinical decision-making tendencies. Outcomes are assessed at baseline, immediately after completion of the four-week educational program, and three months after completion of the program to assess retention of learning.

Inclusion Criteria: * Voluntary agreement to participate in the study * Being a first-year student in the Anesthesia Program * Ability to understand and speak Turkish * Using a mobile device with Android v5.0 or higher or iOS v9.0 or higher operating system Exclusion Criteria: * Having previously completed another undergraduate degree before enrollment in the Anesthesia Program * Having previously received arterial blood gas analysis education in any educational program * Failure to complete the post-test or retention test assessments