Improving subcutaneous injection safety among nurses: a randomized controlled trial of video-based and face-to-face training

BACKGROUND: Injection safety is vital in nursing practice. Registered nurses may lack adequate skills due to limited clinical experience. The aim of this study is to compare the effects of video-based and face-to-face training methods on the subcutaneous injection safety knowledge and practical skills of registered nurses. METHODS: A randomized controlled design was used to compare video-based and face-to-face training in improving injection safety among 82 registered nurses. Data were collected using researcher-developed forms assessing knowledge, skills, satisfaction, and demographics. CONSORT checklist followed in this study. No adverse events were observed during the study. RESULTS: Training delivered both online and in face-to-face improved knowledge and skills. However, face-to-face training resulted in significantly higher knowledge scores (91.2 ± 8.61) for subcutaneous injection than online training (82.24 ± 11.39) indicating a mean difference of 8.96 points (mean difference = 8.96; 95% CI: 4.58–13.34; Cohen’s d = 0.89; p < 0.001), with an achieved power of 0.89. CONCLUSIONS: Both face-to-face and video-based education effectively improved knowledge and skills, highlighting the value of ongoing training in ensuring patient safety and subcutenous heparin injection practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This trial was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05469035) on July 21, 2022, prior to the enrollment of the first participant. Current controlled trials clinical trials ID: NCT05469035 (Date:21.07.2022).