Virtual Reality Education Increases Neurologic Immersion and Empathy in Nursing Students

Background/Objectives: Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly being used in educational settings, but the evidence is mixed on whether this is better for learners. This is due in part to a reliance on self-reported "liking" of the experience rather than measuring if VR more effectively improves learner engagement and conveys information. A study was designed to determine if VR would improve nursing students' understanding of patient interactions in the clinic (n = 70). Methods: The present study measured neurologic Immersion in nursing students during a realistic patient journey in VR and in a standard two-dimensional (2D) film. After the film, participants in both conditions had the opportunity to volunteer to help other students as a measure of the behavioral impact of the experience. Results: The analysis showed that VR generated 60% more neurologic value than the 2D film, and, by increasing empathic concern, positively influenced the decision to volunteer. Conclusions: Empathy has been shown to improve patient care while reducing healthcare provider burnout, and our findings suggest that VR that sustains neurologic Immersion should have a larger place in clinician education.