Implementation of a virtual escape room mock code to comply with social distancing

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Healthcare Simulation
• Virtual Learning Environments

Background:

• Continuing nursing education is essential for maintaining competency, especially during global health crises.
• Traditional in-person mock codes became challenging due to social distancing mandates.
• Need for adaptable educational strategies to ensure uninterrupted professional development for nurses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a virtual escape room mock code as a substitute for in-person training.
• To assess if virtual sessions met nurses' perceived expectations compared to traditional methods.
• To determine the impact on nurses' satisfaction and self-confidence in learning.

Main Methods:

• Implemented a virtual escape room mock code based on the Community of Inquiry framework.
• Surveyed pediatric and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) nurses post-session.
• Utilized an adapted Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Survey to gauge perceptions.

Main Results:

• Nurses reported high levels of satisfaction and self-confidence in their learning.
• Virtual sessions were perceived to provide education equal to previous in-person mock codes.
• The virtual escape room successfully engaged nursing staff.

Conclusions:

• Virtual escape room mock codes are a viable and engaging educational tool for nurses.
• This innovative approach fulfills annual competency requirements while adhering to social distancing.
• The study supports the use of virtual reality in nursing education for skill maintenance and development.