Virtual Reality Simulation for Undergraduate Nursing Students for Care of Patients With Infectious Diseases: Mixed...

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Medical Simulation
• Infectious Disease Management

Background:

• Virtual reality simulation (VRS) provides immersive, safe learning environments for nursing students.
• The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for training in infectious disease patient care.
• Limited prior opportunities existed for nursing students to train in isolation units.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of VRS in preparing nursing students for infectious disease care.
• To evaluate the impact of VRS on theoretical knowledge, motivation, and attitudes.
• To explore nursing students' experiences with VRS.

Main Methods:

• A 2-phased mixed methods study with undergraduate nursing students in Taiwan.
• Phase 1: Quasi-experimental design comparing VRS (experimental) and traditional (control) teaching.
• Phase 2: Semistructured interviews to explore student experiences.

Main Results:

• The VRS group showed significantly higher theoretical knowledge scores and learning attention compared to the control group.
• VRS enhanced learning confidence among nursing students.
• Qualitative themes included applying knowledge, enhancing infection control skills, and patient care confidence.

Conclusions:

• VRS teaching significantly boosts infection control knowledge, attention, and confidence in nursing students.
• VRS offers holistic benefits, improving learning outcomes and potentially transforming nursing education.
• This approach is vital in the post-COVID-19 era, emphasizing digital learning tools.