Effects of a virtual reality simulation integrated with problem-based learning on nursing students' critical thinking...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Medical Simulation
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• Traditional nursing education faces challenges in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive and interactive learning experiences.
• Problem-based learning (PBL) is a student-centered pedagogical approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of VR simulation-based PBL on nursing students' critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and self-efficacy.
• To assess the effectiveness of VR simulation as an educational tool in nursing.
• To investigate the application of VR-PBL in the context of labor induction care.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental study with a nonequivalent control group pretest-posttest design.
• 52 nursing students participated, divided into an experimental (VR-PBL) and a control group.
• The experimental group used VR simulation for self-directed learning alongside PBL, while the control group used traditional PBL and lectures.

Main Results:

• Significant improvements were observed in problem-solving ability (t=-5.47, p<.001) and self-efficacy (t=-5.87, p<.001) in the VR-PBL group compared to the control.
• No statistically significant difference was found in critical thinking ability between the groups.
• Student satisfaction with the VR simulation program was high (3.64±5.88 out of 5).

Conclusions:

• VR simulation-based PBL is an effective educational strategy for enhancing nursing students' problem-solving skills and self-efficacy.
• VR simulation can be a valuable tool to supplement traditional nursing education methods.
• Further research is warranted to explore its impact on critical thinking and other nursing competencies.