Research Highlights

Development and Evaluation of a Chatbot with CALMO to Enhance Clinical Learning in Nursing Students:
A Quasi-Experimental Mixed- Methods Study

Update as of 3 August 2026


Clinical learning is essential in nursing education, enabling students to translate theoretical knowledge into real-world practice. However, students often face challenges in accessing consistent, timely, and personalized guidance during clinical training. This study addresses these limitations by exploring the use of chatbot technology as an innovative educational tool. The research aims to (1) design and develop a chatbot capable of providing evidence-based clinical information, interactive dialogue, and scenario-based guidance; (2) evaluate its impact on nursing students’ knowledge, general self-efficacy, and self-reflection; and (3) examine students’ perceptions, satisfaction, and acceptance of chatbot-assisted learning.

A two-phase mixed-methods quasi-experimental design will be employed. In Phase 1, a chatbot prototype will be developed for web or mobile use. In Phase 2, 174 nursing students from two institutions will be assigned to either an intervention group using the chatbot or a control group receiving traditional education. Quantitative data will be collected at baseline, week 4, and week 12. while qualitative insights will be gathered through focus groups.

Findings are expected to demonstrate the effectiveness of chatbot in enhancing engagement, knowledge acquisition, and clinical competence, informing future integration of digital tools in nursing education.

 


Team Members:

  1. PI: Prof. CHENG Lai Sheung Winnie, S.K. Yee School of Health Sciences, Saint Francis University
  2. Prof. WATSON Roger, S.K. Yee School of Health Sciences, Saint Francis University
  3. Dr. LI Chengze, Yam Pak Charitable Foundation School of Computing and Information Sciences, Saint Francis University
  4. Dr. LAI Tze-kwan Theresa, S.K. Yee School of Health Sciences, Saint Francis University
  5. Dr. SIU Lai-sheung Katherine, S.K. Yee School of Health Sciences, Saint Francis University
  6. Ms. HO Shiu-man, S.K. Yee School of Health Sciences, Saint Francis University
  7. Dr. TANG Chui-yan Anson, Tung Wah College
  8. Dr. WONG Mei-fung Florence, Tung Wah College

Reference no.: ISG230111