Exploring the potential of virtual reality in nursing education: learner's insights and future directions

This study aims to explore the perceptions of nursing students on virtual reality (VR) technology, focusing on its utility, relevance, user-friendliness, and potential for broader integration into nursing education and other educational domains.

VR is increasingly utilized in education, providing immersive and interactive learning experiences. Despite its potential, there are concerns regarding its practical application and alignment with educational objectives across various disciplines.

The study employed an exploratory descriptive design using focus group interviews to gather qualitative data from nursing students.

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 nursing students across three focus groups. The discussions centered on their experiences with VR in medication management training, focusing on perceived utility, user-friendliness, and motivation for future use. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify key themes and insights relevant to educational technology adoption.

Students acknowledged VR's potential for providing a safe and enhanced learning environment. They appreciated the opportunity to practice without real-world consequences but expressed concerns about technical complexity, lack of user-friendliness, and the absence of realistic clinical scenarios. The need for better alignment of VR content with actual educational needs and more user-friendly interfaces was emphasized.

The findings highlight the importance of aligning VR technology with the specific needs and learning objectives of students in various educational settings. Continuous dialogue with end-users is crucial for enhancing the educational effectiveness of VR. This study provides valuable insights for educators and developers to refine VR applications, contributing to the development of solutions that meet practical and educational requirements across different disciplines.