Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a virtual reality (VR) program and simulation training on nursing students’ ability to measure vital signs in children.
Methods
This mixed-methods study, which included a randomized controlled trial and a qualitative study, was conducted from June 12 to November 15, 2023. Forty-four nursing students from a university in South Korea were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. The experimental group first participated in a VR program focused on measuring vital signs in children, followed by a high-fidelity simulation training. The control group received the training in the reverse order. The participants’ knowledge, confidence in practice, and satisfaction with the practice were analyzed using the repeated-measures analysis of variance. VR learning experiences were analyzed through qualitative content analysis.
Results
Both the experimental and control groups showed significant increases in knowledge and confidence in practice after the interventions compared to baseline. However, there were no significant differences in changes in knowledge, confidence in practice, and satisfaction with practice between the two groups. Three themes were identified from the nursing students’ experiences with VR learning: ‘realistic learning training,’ ‘overcoming learning limitations,’ and ‘perceiving drawbacks.’
Conclusion
The VR program was as effective as high-fidelity simulation training in improving nursing students’ ability to measure children’s vital signs. Moreover, VR program offered additional benefits in addressing limitations of simulation-based learning. These findings suggest that VR program can serve as a valuable educational tool to enhance pediatric nursing skills.