Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

Combining Computer Game-Based Behavioural Experiments With High-Density EEG and Infrared Gaze Tracking
Published on: December 16, 2010
Design and evaluation of a 3D serious game for communication learning in nursing education
Cristina Yuri Nakata Hara1, Fernanda Dos Santos Nogueira Goes1, Rosangela Andrade Aukar Camargo1
1University of São Paulo at Ribeirão Preto College of Nursing, Brazil.
Background:
Communication is essential for nursing practice; such competence is not intuitive and must be taught. Serious games in 3D virtual reality can support the nursing teaching-learning process; students connected to the virtual world can apply what they have learned in their professional practice.
Aim:
To describe the design and heuristic evaluation of a serious game in 3D immersive VR for the development of communication competence.
Method:
A methodological study was conducted to develop and evaluate the serious game in a 3D immersive virtual environment using Oculus Rift®, called Comunica-Enf. The game consists of the user asking for authorization to the patient's avatar to perform a nursing procedure using communication abilities. Professors from six nursing courses and 30 students from two undergraduate nursing courses were recruited to evaluate the usability and appearance of the Comunica-Enf serious game. After using the game, the participants completed the Heuristic Evaluation of Digital Educational Games. A maximum of 25% of high or urgent priority problems in the whole game or heuristics is necessary to validate the game.
Result:
The participants considered Comunica-Enf suitable for nursing education because none of the heuristics reached more than 25% of high or urgent priority problems. The participants made suggestions that were analyzed and incorporated into the Comunica-Enf when possible.
Conclusion:
Comunica-Enf is an educational technology that uses Oculus Rift® and a 3D virtual reality perspective as an innovative resource. It had its appearance and usability validated for nursing students, providing a safe and pleasant environment for communication competence.
Related Concept Videos
Role of Communication in the Nursing Process II: Planning and Implementation
Role of Communication in the Nursing Process III: Evaluation and Documentation
Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching I: Assessment and Diagnosis
It is critical to determine the patient's learning needs during the assessment. Determination of learning needs compounds data from the...
Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching II: Planning and Implementation
Nursing Process for Patient and Caregiver Teaching III: Evaluation and Documentation
Nurses can use several methods to evaluate patient outcomes. For example, oral questions can assess cognitive learning, patient...
Nursing Evaluation
Section...

