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Effectiveness of a scenario-based gamified virtual reality training on nurses' basic life support knowledge: a
Duygu Akbaş Uysal1, Fisun Şenuzun Aykar2, Filiz Özel Çakir3
1Dialysis of Department, Izmir Konak Vocational School, İzmir, Turkey. duygu.uysal@konak.edu.tr.
BMC Nursing
|July 7, 2026
Summary
Virtual reality (VR) training significantly improved nurses' Basic Life Support (BLS) knowledge compared to traditional methods. This immersive approach enhances short-term knowledge retention and preparedness for emergencies.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education Technology
- Nursing Education
- Virtual Reality Applications in Healthcare
Background:
- Effective Basic Life Support (BLS) training is crucial for nurses in emergency and intensive care settings.
- Traditional training methods may have limitations in knowledge retention and engagement.
- Kolb's Experiential Learning Model provides a framework for effective learning through experience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of virtual reality (VR)-based training on nurses' Basic Life Support (BLS) knowledge acquisition.
- To assess user attitudes towards VR-based training in a clinical nursing context.
- To determine the effectiveness of VR training within Kolb's Experiential Learning Model.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 60 nurses (30 experimental, 30 control) from emergency and intensive care units.
- Experimental group received VR-based BLS training; control group received traditional training.
- Data collected via descriptive forms, BLS Knowledge Test (pre-test, post-test, 2-week follow-up), and Virtual Reality Attitude Scale; analyzed using Mann-Whitney U and Friedman tests.
Main Results:
- The VR-based training group demonstrated significantly higher BLS knowledge scores (total and sub-dimensions) compared to the control group (p < 0.001).
- Mean post-test knowledge scores were 15.6 ± 2.14 for the VR group and 12.9 ± 2.47 for the control group.
- A moderate positive correlation (r = 0.462, p < 0.05) was observed between VR Attitude Scale scores and knowledge test results, indicating effective short-term knowledge retention.
Conclusions:
- Scenario-based, gamified VR training is a highly effective educational tool for enhancing nurses' BLS knowledge and retention.
- Integrating interactive VR applications into clinical training can improve nurses' readiness for emergency situations, thereby enhancing patient safety.
- VR-based training shows significant promise as a modern pedagogical approach in nursing education.