Developing a Virtual Reality Simulation Program for Improving Nursing Students’ Clinical Reasoning Skills in Home Settings: A Protocol Paper

Abstract

Most nursing simulation programs focus on persons’ healthcare needs in hospital settings, and little is known about how to identify them in home settings. This study aims to develop and validate a virtual reality (VR) simulation program for nursing students to improve their clinical reasoning skills and confidence in assessing persons’ healthcare needs in home settings. We developed a VR simulation program based on a literature review and expert discussion. In Phase 1, home visit nurses or public health nurses will validate the program through their interviews in 2022. In Phase 2, we will conduct a pilot and main single-blinded randomized trial for nursing students to confirm the effectiveness from 2022 and 2023. Participants will be randomly allocated into an intervention group using VR simulations and a control group receiving videos regarding three kinds of community residents’ lives [1:1]. After obtaining informed consent, the students will submit their anonymous data to the researchers to prevent associating their grade evaluation. The primary outcome will be their clinical reasoning skills. The second outcome will include their satisfaction and self-confidence. This study will examine the effectiveness of improving their clinical reasoning skills and confidence in assessing persons’ healthcare needs in home settings.

Virtual Reality and Simulation Videos as Effective Training Tools for Creating Safe and Inclusive Environments for Transgender People

“…Other studies applying VR and SVs to nursing focused on improving decision-making skills [ 52 ], developing critical thinking [ 53 ], assessing communication skills [ 54 ], and delivering training in the correct administration of medication [ 39 ]. Two studies are currently being pilot tested: one involving the use of VR and 360° videos centred around the development of clinical reasoning skills [ 55 ] and one aiming to improve emotional coping skills to reduce anxiety and increase self-confidence among students [ 56 ].…”