Effects of Virtual Reality Simulation on Practice of the Nursing Care Process

This study evaluated the effectiveness of virtual reality simulation in enhancing nursing students' competency in the nursing process. A multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted at 3 nursing schools with 62 students randomly assigned to either an experimental group or a control group. The experimental group used the Oculus Quest 2 to engage in a 360-degree video-based simulation of a patient with pulmonary thromboembolism, while the control group reviewed the same scenario using text-based materials. Both groups collected objective and subjective patient data and completed nursing process documentation. Confidence in the nursing process and preparedness for practice were assessed through pretests and posttests. Learning satisfaction and engagement were measured postintervention. The quality of nursing process documentation was evaluated by an independent rater blinded to group assignment. The experimental group showed significantly higher scores in documentation quality and reported greater learning satisfaction than the control group. However, no significant differences were observed in engagement, confidence, or preparedness between the groups. These findings suggest that 360-degree video-based virtual reality simulations can effectively support nursing students' learning of the nursing process. To maximize learning outcomes, future research should incorporate more active learner participation, including verbal and physical task performance, along with structured debriefing and feedback.