Background: Rapid advancements in educational technology are necessitating a renewal of teaching approaches in nursing education. Artificial intelligence-based branching-path simulations, which allow students to make choices at decision points and see the outcome of their choices through instant feedback, are emerging as a new teaching tool that can facilitate students' active participation in clinical decision-making processes.
Objectives: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of an AI-based branching-path simulation on nursing students' level of knowledge regarding first aid for injuries, course satisfaction, and learning motivation.
Methods: This study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial. The study was completed at the nursing department of a public university with the participation of 164 first-year nursing students (intervention group n=84, control group n=80). Students in the intervention group were administered an AI-based branching-path simulation consisting of three modules-penetrating abdominal injury, head trauma, and penetrating chest injury-following the first aid course for injuries, while students in the control group were trained using traditional question-and-answer and case discussion methods at the end of the same course. Data were collected using a student information form, a knowledge test developed by the researchers, and a course content evaluation form.