Validation of the Self-Evaluation Scale for Simulation Laboratory Practices (SES-SLP) during virtual reality obstetric emergencies simulation in nursing students

<h2>Abstract</h2><h3>Background</h3> The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights the importance of simulation in clinical teaching and patient safety; at the same time, virtual reality is presented as an innovative methodology in nursing training and is being widely incorporated into training. No instrument has been identified to assess students' perceptions of their learning when using these resources. <h3>Methods</h3> Cross-sectional observational study of 120 nursing students carried out at the University of Jaén during the 2023-2024 academic year. After facing an immersive experience of postpartum hemorrhage using virtual reality glasses, sociodemographic and academic data were collected, and the Self-Evaluation Scale for Simulation Laboratory Practices (SES-SLP) questionnaire and the Gameful Experience in Gamification (GAMEX) scale were administered. An Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was carried out with convergence and criterion validity. Internal Consistency (IC) was evaluated using Cronbach's α. The convergence validation of the SES-SLP was analyzed through the GAMEX scale using the Pearson correlation coefficient. Temporal reliability was studied through a test-retest using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC). <h3>Results</h3> The AFE identified two components, factor 1 "Developing" and factor 2 "Challenging", which explained 56.79% of the variability, the first covering 45.82% and the second 10.97%. A statistically significant and positive correlation was observed between the SES-SLP and GAMEX scales both globally and in almost all of their dimensions (<i>p</i> < 0.001), except the "Absence of negative effect" dimension. Cronbach's α was 0.909, indicating high internal consistency. Temporal reliability, evaluated with test-retest using the Fleiss criteria, obtained a result of 0.898 (95% CI, 0.801-0.948), demonstrating excellent or almost perfect agreement. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Given its good psychometric characteristics, the SES-SLP scale is a valid and reliable tool for use in simulation laboratories for university nursing training.