Virtual education: is it effective for preparing nurses for a hospital move?

Area of Science:

• Healthcare simulation
• Nursing education
• Human-computer interaction

Background:

• Previous studies comparing wayfinding training media often overlooked task complexity and individual differences.
• This research controlled for spatial/navigational ability and computer experience to isolate media effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of virtual environments (VEs) versus paper floor plans (FPs) for training nurses in wayfinding within a new hospital.
• To assess the impact of these training methods on nurses' navigation skills and confidence.

Main Methods:

• A randomized block experimental design was used with 30 nurses assigned to either VE or FP training.
• Nurses received instruction via their assigned medium before completing wayfinding tasks in a new hospital under construction.
• Trained observers monitored wayfinding performance.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found in wayfinding performance or post-intervention confidence between the VE and FP groups.
• Both virtual environment and paper floor plan instruction enhanced nurses' wayfinding and navigation abilities.
• Qualitative data indicated that the interplay between instructional style, media, and learner characteristics influences knowledge retention and transfer.

Conclusions:

• Virtual environments are as effective as traditional paper floor plans for teaching wayfinding and navigation skills in new hospital settings.
• Nursing leadership can consider utilizing 3D virtual environments for early, repetitive practice in navigating large, unfamiliar spaces.
• While not superior, virtual media provides an equally viable option for spatial learning in healthcare environments.