Effectiveness of an Interactive Training Program on Emergency Management Competencies Among New Nurses in China: A Controlled Trial Assessing Knowledge, Skills, and Communication

Background Effective emergency management is essential for ensuring optimal patient outcomes, with newly enrolled nurses playing a crucial role in the early detection and intervention of critical conditions. However, in China, these nurses often encounter challenges stemming from limited clinical experience, inadequate training in emergency skills, and the lack of standardized training programs tailored to the country's unique healthcare needs. Addressing these gaps through innovative training methods is critical for enhancing patient safety and the quality of care. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of integrating the Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate (CDIO) framework with escape room pedagogy to improve the emergency management competencies of newly enrolled nurses. The anticipated findings are expected to provide evidence-based recommendations for nursing education in China and contribute to the overall enhancement of healthcare quality in the nation. Methods This study adopts a quasi-experimental pre-test-post-test design. Participants were divided into two groups: a control group (control group, n = 85) receiving traditional lecture-based training, and an experimental group (experimental group, n = 84) undergoing the CDIO-escape room intervention. Outcomes were evaluated using theoretical exams, operational assessments, the Clinical Emergency Response Ability Questionnaire, and the Supportive Communication Scale. Results Post-intervention results revealed statistically significant improvements in the experimental group across all metrics: theoretical knowledge (83.11 ± 4.46 vs. 80.82 ± 5.13, p  = 0.002), practical skills (90.28 ± 3.02 vs. 85.81 ± 2.72, p  < 0.001), emergency response (19.95 ± 1.20 vs. 18.05 ± 1.17, p  < 0.001), and supportive communication (47.35 ± 2.02 vs. 43.64 ± 2.26, p  < 0.001), compared to the control group. These improvements were statistically significant for all outcomes. Conclusions The CDIO-escape room model effectively combines systematic training with immersive problem-solving dynamics, thereby addressing gaps in clinical preparedness. This dual-model approach aligns with China’s standardized nursing education guidelines and provides a scalable framework for global implementation. Trial registration Not applicable.