Background Virtual reality (VR) allows risk- and anxiety-free practice, mediated by consistent objective feedback. Purpose This study evaluated the usability of a VR game system for sterile catheterization practice. Participant enjoyment, engagement, likelihood to practice, and comfort using VR are reported. Methods Thirty-one students and faculty tested a VR game using Oculus Rift devised to allow practice of placing a urinary catheter in a virtual patient. Data were collected via an electronic survey using the System Usability Survey (SUS) and a User Reaction Survey (URS). Results The SUS score was 64.03. Seventy-five percent of participants rated the game as positive overall on the URS. Left-handed players had more difficulty playing the game. Players with prescription glasses could not comfortably place the Oculus Rift over their glasses to play. Conclusions The VR game shows promise for refreshing sterile catheterization skills.

A usability study of a Virtual Reality Sterile Urinary Catheter Insertion Game (VR SUCIG) was conducted to understand user needs in regards to this game. Background: Learning and retention of psychomotor skills in health care is essential to safe clinical practice. Bauman suggests games are most useful when they are part of a layered-learning approach; in other words, they support various forms of learning and serve as cognitive aids ( Bauman et al., 2014 ). Intervention: The VR Sterile Urinary Catheter Insertion Game (VRSUCIG) was created by nurses and a computer gaming developer to provide nursing students with a cost-effective way to practice sterile catheter insertion skills in a systematic, evidence-based manner. A usability study and user reaction survey were conducted to gain a deep understanding of user’s needs. Methods: Three hundred nursing students, from 9 US nursing schools participated. Participants played the VR SUCIG and completed the System Usability Scale (SUS) and a User Reaction Survey (URS). Results: The SUS for the 2nd generation of the VR SUCIG was 57, or medium usability. The URS demonstrated the game motivated them to keep practicing. The VR SUCIG promoted repetitive practice of the skill and visually accentuated the concept of sterility. Conclusions. User reactions indicate that nursing students were eager and excited to utilize this technology. Usability scores indicate further refinement of technology is needed.