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Development of an integrated AI-VR simulation system for preoperative nursing competency: A pilot study
Applied Nursing Research : ANR
|August 12, 2026
Summary
AI-driven virtual standardized patients in virtual reality simulations show promise for training nursing students in preoperative communication. This pilot study found the technology feasible and effective for improving skills and confidence.
Area of Science:
- Nursing Education
- Virtual Reality Simulation
- Artificial Intelligence
Background:
- Virtual reality (VR) and AI-driven virtual standardized patients (VSPs) offer safe communication practice for nursing students.
- Limited empirical evidence exists on the feasibility and educational impact of VSPs in specific clinical areas like preoperative nursing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a VR simulation with an AI-VSP for preoperative nursing communication training.
- To pilot-test the feasibility and explore the pre-post effects of this simulation.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods pilot study involving 10 nursing students using the VIRTI VR platform.
- Quantitative data (satisfaction, confidence, immersion) analyzed with t-tests; qualitative data from interviews analyzed thematically.
Main Results:
- Significant pre-post improvements in all measured variables (p ≤ .004) with large effect sizes (Cohen's d = 1.10-1.75).
- Students reported realistic learning and clinical relevance, but noted technical limitations in nonverbal feedback and scenario alignment.
Conclusions:
- AI-VSP-based VR simulation appears feasible for developing preoperative nursing communication skills.
- Further research should focus on enhancing multimodal feedback and using comparative designs to assess effectiveness.