Clinical Research Directory

The Impact of Virtual Reality Haptic Simulators and Mobile Apps in Endodontic Clinical Practice

Endodontics presents unique challenges due to the complexity and precision required in procedures such as access cavity preparation, canal instrumentation, and obturation. In this context, access cavity preparation is widely regarded as a critical step in endodontic treatment, as it facilitates the identification of the main root canal anatomy and enables effective chemomechanical debridement of the root canal system. However, the clinical application of this procedure can be particularly challenging for undergraduate students, as patients requiring endodontic care often present with varying degrees of anatomical complexity and clinical difficulty. These variations increase the of procedural complications. This is evident during the fourth year of dental education, when clinical endodontic training typically begins and students are required to perform their first treatments on patients. Initial attempts are often prone to failure due to limited theoretical knowledge, inadequate operative skills, and elevated stress levels. Therefore, ensuring comprehensive and well-structured preclinical training through the use of innovative educational strategies plays a critical role in both facilitating an effective transition to clinical practice and minimizing the risk of potential mishaps.The integration of virtual reality haptic simulators (VRHS) has shown considerable promise in enhancing the quality of endodontic preclinical education. VRHS provides students with an immersive, interactive environment that closely replicates real clinical scenarios, allowing for the development of tactile perception, fine motor control, and procedural accuracy in a risk-free setting. These simulators also encompass the potential drawbacks, such as a lack of standardized feedback and restricted opportunities for repetitive learning of traditional preclinical educational methods. In addition, through the advancements on the internet and mobile technology, mobile applications have become a game-changing tool for dental education. Mobile apps offer a flexible and self-paced learning environment that can be tailored to individual needs, thereby promoting greater engagement and a more interactive, immersive educational experience. As well as the VRHSs, mobile apps also simulate the clinical scenarios and procedures, providing students with the opportunity to develop and refine their skills within a structured and risk-free educational environment. Although the effectiveness of simulators has been investigated in endodontic preclinical settings using artificial teeth, their potential impact on real clinical performance and outcomes remains largely unexplored. Similarly, the role of mobile apps in endodontic education-particularly their effectiveness at the clinical level-has not been adequately studied.

Model Supported Breast Examination Training for Midwifery Students

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide and early detection significantly improves treatment success. Screening methods used for early detection include breast self-examination (BSE), clinical breast examination (CBE) and mammography. It is critical for midwifery students to learn CCM and teach this method to women. CPM allows women to recognise early signs through breast self-examination. This method is simple and inexpensive and can be applied without requiring much time and labour. Practical training of midwifery students helps them to ensure the effectiveness and correct application of this method. The use of breast examination models during the training process gives students practical experience in detecting signs of breast cancer, such as nipple depression, discharge, asymmetry of the breasts and the appearance of orange peel. In addition, midwifery students can develop their clinical skills by having the opportunity to make mistakes and gain hands-on experience in a safe environment. This process can contribute to increasing early diagnosis rates and improving treatment processes.The sample of this pre-test, post-test, follow-up randomised controlled study consisted of 64 midwifery students (experimental=32, and control=32). Data will be collected with Personal Information Form (PIF), Breast Examination Skills Assessment Form (BESAF), Self-Confidence Scale (SC) and Student Satisfaction and Confidence in Learning Scale (SCSLS). After obtaining the consent of the students in the experimental group, pre-test data will be obtained by filling out the 'Personal Information Form', 'Self-Confidence Scale' and 'Student Satisfaction and Confidence in Learning Scale'. Then, theoretical information will be given and the examination stages such as determining the area to be examined, manual examination of the area, examination method, nipple examination and detection of malignant formations in the breast will be explained practically in the breast examination model in the laboratory environment. Students will be taken in groups of 10, and after the application is explained, each student will perform the breast examination and evaluation individually. Approximately 15 minutes will be allocated for each student. Two weeks after the breast model application, the same students will be taken to the laboratory and asked to perform all the examination steps again. While the students are performing the examination steps, the researcher will mark the complete and incomplete applications on the 'Breast Examination Skill Evaluation Form' and the missing steps will be explained to the students and they will be asked to complete them. At the same time, 'Self-confidence Scale' and 'Student Satisfaction and Confidence in Learning Scale' will be filled out for the post-test. Then, two weeks later, the 'Self-Confidence Scale' and 'Student Satisfaction and Confidence in Learning Scale' will be filled out again for the final post-test. After obtaining the consent of the students in the control group, pre-test data will be collected by applying 'Personal Information Form', 'Self-Confidence Scale' and 'Student Satisfaction and Confidence in Learning Scale' to the students. Then, the students will be given theoretical information and a video will be shown to them, which includes examination stages such as determining the area to be examined, manual examination of the area, examination method, nipple examination and detection of malignant formations in the breast. Two weeks later, the students will be taken to the laboratory environment and will be asked to perform the application steps in line with the theoretical course they have taken. While the students are performing the examination steps, the researcher will mark the complete and incomplete applications on the 'Breast Examination Skill Evaluation Form', then the missing steps will be explained to the students and they will be asked to complete them. In the post-test phase, the 'Self-Confidence Scale' and the 'Student Satisfaction and Confidence in Learning Scale' will be administered to the students again. Two weeks after this process, the same scales will be filled in again for the final post-test.