Effects of metaverse-based mock trials for nurses: A randomized controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Medical Law
• Virtual Reality

Background:

• Experiential learning is vital for nurses, but practical experience with malpractice cases is limited.
• Mock trial education offers a safe, simulated environment for nurses to learn from malpractice cases.
• The metaverse presents an interactive and secure platform for nursing education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of metaverse-based mock trials versus traditional classroom mock trials for nursing education.
• To evaluate nurses' learning experiences and outcomes in different mock trial settings.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 84 nurses from three general hospitals.
• Participants were assigned to either a metaverse mock trial group or a classroom mock trial group.
• Both groups received mobile web education, followed by their respective mock trial experiences over three weeks.

Main Results:

• The classroom group demonstrated superior legal obligation cognition compared to the metaverse group.
• No significant differences were observed in patient safety management, teamwork, or learning presence between the two groups.
• Metaverse mock trials showed potential for interactive learning in areas like patient safety and teamwork.

Conclusions:

• Metaverse mock trials can serve as a viable alternative to classroom settings for specific interactive nursing education components.
• Nursing education should incorporate virtual environments to prepare students for complex clinical scenarios.
• Traditional classroom education remains more effective for imparting foundational knowledge and cognitive understanding.