Virtual patients: development in cancer nursing education

Area of Science:

• Oncology Nursing
• Medical Education Technology
• Virtual Patient Simulation

Background:

• Increasing prostate cancer incidence necessitates skilled healthcare professionals.
• Many professionals report inadequate preparation and knowledge gaps in prostate cancer care.
• A Virtual Patient (VP) online resource was developed to enhance practitioner learning.

Purpose of the Study:

• Develop five online VP simulation scenarios tailored to the learning needs of nurses and healthcare professionals.
• Address specific knowledge gaps in caring for male patients with prostate cancer.
• Enhance the quality of care provided to men affected by prostate cancer and their families.

Main Methods:

• VP topic areas identified through prior research on healthcare professional needs.
• Scoping exercise with nursing practitioners, students, and a prostate cancer charity refined scenario focus.
• Fidelity of VP simulations ensured through review by service users and specialist practitioners, with final review by nurses and students.

Main Results:

• Majority of respondents reported enhanced knowledge and willingness to recommend the VP resource.
• Positive aspects of the VP resource were identified by users.
• Identified weaknesses in the resource have been subsequently addressed.

Conclusions:

• VP case studies effectively enhanced knowledge and confidence in prostate cancer care.
• The VP resource's content and delivery method were well-received, particularly by less experienced staff.
• The online VP simulation is a valuable tool for professional development in oncology nursing.