The effects of the forgetting curve in the training of knee arthroplasty surgical instrument nurses: a pilot randomized controlled trial

This study aimed to compare the conventional review teaching method with the forgetting curve-based teaching method in the training of novice knee replacement surgical instrument nurses. From April 2021 to April 2024, 30 new surgical instrument nurses were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 15). The control group received the conventional review teaching method, while the intervention group received the forgetting curve-based teaching method, which included three reviews of knowledge and skills at 24 h, 7 days, and 30 days. The performance of the two groups was compared in terms of clinical training assessments, the satisfaction of surgeons with the cooperation of new operating room nurses, and the satisfaction of new operating room nurses with teaching. Compared to before training, the clinical training assessment scores of both groups increased 1 day (from 64.33 ± 7.17 to 90.33 ± 7.18 in the intervention group and from 64.60 ± 7.31 to 85.40 ± 8.37 in the control group) and 1 month (from 64.33 ± 7.17 to 89.86 ± 7.19 in the intervention group and from 64.60 ± 7.31 to 75.33 ± 7.91 in the control group) after training (P < 0.05). In the experimental group, there was no significant difference in the clinical training assessment scores 1 day and 1 month (90.33 ± 7.18 vs. 89.86 ± 7.19, respectively) after training (P > 0.05), while the control group showed a decrease in the clinical training assessment score 1 month after training compared to 1 day after training (85.40 ± 8.37 vs. 75.33 ± 7.91) (P < 0.05). At 1 month after training, clinical training assessment scores were higher in the experimental group than in the control group (89.86 ± 7.19 vs. 75.33 ± 7.91). Compared to the control group, the experimental group exhibited a higher surgeon satisfaction score (91.44 ± 7.68 vs. 85.10 ± 8.54) (P < 0.05) and surgical instrument nurse satisfaction scores after applying the forgetting learning curve-based teaching method (P < 0.05). In this study, the incorporation of the forgetting curve into educational programs improved the clinical training assessment score and satisfaction score of surgical instrument nurses and increased the satisfaction score of surgeons for knee transplantation surgery. This clinical trial has been retrospectively registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on February 14, 2026 (registration number ChiCTR2600119024, retrospectively registered). (https://www.chictr.org.cn/historyversionpubEN.html?regno=ChiCTR2600119024). ChiCTR2600119024.