Improving clinical reasoning competency and communication skills using virtual simulation-based learning focused on a pathophysiological approach in Korea: a quasi-experimental study

Purpose: Clinical reasoning, which is based on an understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of diseases, is a core nursing competency that involves analyzing patient-related data and providing appropriate nursing practices. Simulation-based education is effective in improving clinical reasoning competencies and communication skills. This study evaluated the effectiveness of virtual simulation-based learning in improving the communication skills and clinical reasoning competencies of undergraduate nursing students. Methods: This study used a single-group pretest and posttest quasi-experimental design to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual simulation-based learning. Data were collected from June to September 2020. Thirty-six nursing students in their third and fourth years of study who understood the purpose of this study were selected as participants. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics 25.0 and Winsteps 3.68.2. Results: The communication skills (t = −12.80, p < .001) and clinical reasoning competency (t = −4.67, p < .001) of the undergraduate nursing students who participated in the virtual simulation-based learning program improved significantly after participation. Additionally, a Rasch model analysis revealed that the overall clinical reasoning competency of undergraduate nursing students improved. Conclusion: Virtual simulation-based learning programs for nursing students should be developed and implemented.