Virtual gaming simulation for (future) nurses: a mixed method usability study

Van Lierde Liesbeth, 2023
Virtual Gaming Simulation (VGS) is an exciting new tool in nursing education that brings the best of both worlds -classroom learning and realworld practice- together. Imagine being able to experience the realities of nursing from your computer screen. The game is accessible to everyone through this link: https://envisionvgs.com/home-health-care/ In a VGS, you are presented with realistic scenarios that nurses face every day. You’ll see patients and situations on your screen and be asked to make decisions through multiple-choice questions. If you make a wrong choice, no worries! You get to see how the patients would react and why the choice wasn’t the best. Then, you can restart and try again. This immediate feedback helps you learn from mistakes without any real-world consequences. In this study, we evaluated a VGS designed in a home care setting. This VGS as tested by both experienced nurses and student nurses. To gather comprehensive insights, we utilized a mix of interviews, focus groups, and questionnaires. These diverse methods allowed us to capture a wide range of perspectives from the users. By understanding the needs and opinions of the users, we made the simulation more effective and relevant. The ultimate goal is to integrate VGS into the nursing education curriculum, enhancing the learning experience and better preparing students for realworld home care scenarios. In addition to home care scenarios, the project is expanding to develop different VGS covering various subjects such as emergency care and pediatric care. These diverse simulations aim to provide comprehensive training across multiple areas of nursing. VGS is a powerful way to bridge the gap between what nursing students learn in their textbooks and what they need to do in a hospital. If the game can be developed for other disciplines as well, it could revolutionize training and education across various fields.

Promotor Tim Torsy
Opleiding Verpleegkunde en Vroedkunde
Kernwoorden Virtual gaming simulation: the future of education.