Review,
Methodological approaches and competence areas of nursing students in virtual reality simulation research – A scoping review
Affiliations
- [1] University of Turku [NORA names: Finland; Europe, EU; Nordic; OECD];
- [2] VIA University College [NORA names: VIA University College; College; Denmark; Europe, EU; Nordic; OECD];
- [3] Münster University of Applied Sciences [NORA names: Germany; Europe, EU; OECD];
- [4] National University of Ireland [NORA names: Ireland; Europe, EU; OECD]
Abstract
Objectives: To analyze methodological approaches (theoretical frameworks, study designs, methods) and competence areas of nursing students in research on virtual reality simulations (VRS) with a high level of immersion. Methods: A scoping review was performed. A systematic search of the literature was conducted on MEDLINE, CINAHL and ERIC databases on 30/11/22. In addition, a manual search was utilized. The extracted data relating to the research questions was descriptively analyzed and results were narratively summarized. Results: In total 23 studies were included in the review. Selected studies employed a wide range of theoretical frameworks and research designs. The studies aimed to develop competences both through complex interventions where team-based skills are required in acute situations, and they described basic nursing interventions where individual skills are required in non-acute nursing care. Conclusions: A significant amount of the selected studies did not utilize a learning theory or an instructional design framework as a basis for their research. More knowledge was found on training specific skills compared to facilitating the attitudes and values of the participants. Therefore, there is a need for further research on whether nursing students' attitudes and values can be supported through VRS with a high level of immersion.