doi:10.1186/s12912-026-04361-0engGómez-Torres, PiedadCastro, MartaGalarreta-Aperte, SergioFabra, JavierMartínez-Martínez, Ana-BelénStudent-led video project to develop teamwork, communication and digital skills in first-year nursing students: a longitudinal quasi-experimental studyART-2026-148606Background Soft skills—such as teamwork, communication, and digital competence—are essential in nursing education to ensure safe, patient-centered care. However, they are not always systematically developed or assessed in undergraduate programmes. Methods The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term impact of a collaborative, student-led video simulation project on the development of teamwork, communication, and digital competencies among first-year nursing students, and to explore gender-related differences. A longitudinal quantitative study was conducted in which students worked in self-selected groups to design and produce a short instructional video simulating a nursing technique. The intervention was embedded in practical sessions and included a workshop on video tools and peer- and instructor-led presentations. Teamwork was assessed using the validated RUTE questionnaire through self- and peer-assessment, while digital and communication skills were measured using an ad-hoc questionnaire. Outcomes were measured at baseline (T1), post-intervention (T2), and one-year follow-up (T3). Results Of the 167 eligible students, 164 participated (98.2%). Teamwork self-assessment improved significantly in Active Participation (dim 3: T1–T2 p = 0.01; T1–T3 p = 0.006) and Achievement of Agreements (dim 7: T1–T2 p = 0.001; T1–T3 p = 0.01). Coordination (dim 5) improved from T1 to T3 only (p = 0.02). At T2, peers rated classmates higher than self-ratings in most dimensions, indicating self-underestimation. Digital skills (n = 134 T1; n = 100 T2; n = 53 T3) increased in five of six items short-term; by T3, information sharing, content creation and use of multiple file types showed sustained gains. Communication improved short-term in non-verbal aspects and topic-appropriate speaking, with partial retention at T3. Gender analyses indicated baseline differences in task fulfilment and longer-term gains in certain digital skills among men; interpretation is cautious due to female predominance. Conclusions A low-complexity, student-led video project integrated into practical teaching produced immediate and sustained improvements in key soft skills, especially active participation, consensus-building, non-verbal communication and digital creation. Some competencies (e.g., coordination, digital sharing) developed gradually, underscoring the value of repeated exposure across the curriculum. Inclusive group design and reflective practices may help address observed gender-related patterns.2026http://zaguan.unizar.es/record/17005510.1186/s12912-026-04361-0http://zaguan.unizar.es/record/170055oai:zaguan.unizar.es:170055info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/AEI/PID2023-148202OB-C22info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/UZ/PI-DTOST-2023-676BMC Nursing 25 (2026), 206 [15 pp.]by-nc-ndhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/deed.esinfo:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess