Factors affecting nursing students' intention to use a 3D game to learn field triage skills: a structural equation...

As mass casualty incidents are low-probability events, students often do not have the chance to practise field triage skills during their clinical placement. This study used a 3D game to engage participants in experiential learning in a realistic virtual environment. The purpose of the study was to explore factors affecting nursing students' intention to use a 3D game to learn field triage skills.

This was a cross-sectional survey study. The technology acceptance model augmented by computer self-efficacy was used as a research model and a questionnaire was used to evaluate students' intention to use the 3D game to learn field triage. Data was collected from nursing students of a degree-awarding higher education institution in Hong Kong.

A total of 177 valid questionnaires were returned, and structural equation modeling was used to test the research model and hypotheses. Consistent with the technology acceptance model, perceived usefulness (0.21, p < 0.05) and perceived ease of use (0.91, p < 0.001) had a positive effect on the behavioral intention to use the 3D game. Computer self-efficacy positively influenced both perceived usefulness (0.66, p < 0.001) and perceived ease of use (0.73, p < 0.001). The research model explained 42 percent of the variance in the behavioral intention to use the 3D game.

Students believed that using the 3D game would enhance their field triage skills and found the game easy to use. Using 3D games to facilitate learning is a worthwhile educational approach for preparing healthcare professionals to handle low-probability clinical tasks, such as field triage in mass casualty incidents. Insights provided by findings of this study included the best way to design and promote interactive education programmes in a virtual environment.