Integrating ChatGPT into nursing education: a randomized trial exploring knowledge, retention, and student perspectives on endotracheal suctioning

AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of a ChatGPT-integrated educational session on nursing students' knowledge acquisition and retention regarding endotracheal suctioning, and to explore their perspectives and learning experiences. METHODS: A pilot pre-test/post-test parallel-group randomized controlled trial with an embedded qualitative component was conducted with 32 undergraduate nursing students who participated voluntarily. Participants were randomly assigned to either a ChatGPT-integrated education group or a traditional education group. Knowledge was assessed using a structured test administered before, immediately after, and six weeks following the intervention. Quantitative data were analyzed using appropriate non-parametric statistical tests, while qualitative data were analyzed thematically following Braun and Clarke's approach. RESULTS: While no significant difference was observed between groups in immediate post-test knowledge scores, the ChatGPT-integrated group demonstrated significantly higher knowledge retention over time at the six-week follow-up (p < 0.05). Qualitative findings revealed three main themes: learning supportive factors, student gains, and suggestions for improvement. Participants reported that interactive learning supported by ChatGPT facilitated active participation and reinforced learning. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that ChatGPT-integrated education has the potential to enhance knowledge retention over time, although it may not significantly impact immediate learning outcomes. Given small sample size, these result should be considered preliminary. Future large-scale studies are recommended to examine long-term outcomes and address potential implementation challenges.