My hands are running away - learning a complex nursing skill via virtual reality simulation: a randomised mixed...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Medical Simulation
• Virtual Reality Technology

Background:

• Clinical skills training is crucial for nursing, but traditional methods may not fully prepare students.
• Virtual reality (VR) offers innovative simulation but its effectiveness needs further investigation.
• This study compares VR simulation variants and video training for endotracheal suctioning skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of two VR simulation variants and video training on nursing students' knowledge and skill acquisition.
• To evaluate learner satisfaction and technology acceptance across different training modalities.
• To explore student perceptions of VR for clinical skills practice.

Main Methods:

• 131 undergraduate nursing students were randomized into three groups: two VR simulation groups and one video training group.
• Knowledge was assessed via pre-post-tests; skills via objective structured clinical examination.
• Learner satisfaction and technology acceptance were measured using standardized questionnaires and focus groups.

Main Results:

• All groups showed significant knowledge gains; no significant differences were found between groups.
• The video group outperformed VR groups in skill demonstration.
• One VR group reported higher learner satisfaction than the video group; simpler VR had higher technology acceptance.

Conclusions:

• VR training can enhance nursing students' knowledge and satisfaction but is currently less effective than video for psychomotor skill acquisition.
• Simpler VR designs are recommended for better technology acceptance and targeted educational outcomes.
• VR is best utilized as a supplementary tool to traditional skills labs, not a replacement, to enhance confidence and prepare for practical training.