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Research

Increasing Nursing Access Across Populations with Technology in Simulation: Pediatric Virtual Reality Simulation

Saturday, June 17, 2023
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM EDT
Location: Junior Ballroom
Disclosure(s):
Elizabeth Wells-Beede, PhD, RN, C-EFM, CHSE-A, CNE, ACUE, FAAN: No financial relationships to disclose
Angela Mulcahy, PhD, RN, CMSRN, CHSE: No financial relationships to disclose
Alison F. Pittman, PhD, RN, CPN, CNE, CHSE: No financial relationships to disclose
Abstract : AACN (2021) introduced the updated Essentials, within the competencies four-spheres of care were identified to include the expansion of care outside the acute care setting. With grant funds a project increasing population care and management of complex care with four virtual reality simulation scenarios was introduced. One of the four scenarios was created to address DKA management in the school setting as a school nurse, managing the pediatric client. This simulation is part of a larger project to promote value-based care through innovative teaching emphasizing the role the public health nursing and support expanding care.

139 pre-licensure nursing students in three cohorts took part in a fully immersive PEDI VR Simulation. Students spent 10-15 minutes interacting with a pediatric client. Objectives included performing diagnostic tests for a CBG, urine analysis for ketones, and interventions. A Pre-Post knowledge check consisting of five content-based questions along with Pre-Post VR-Related usability questions and the Simulation Effectiveness Tool – Modified (SET-M) were used to assess the simulation.

Hypothesis testing was performed to identify the knowledge difference with the Post-Pre scores for the five content-based questions. Results show a significant difference across all cohorts. User ratings for VR experience were lowest for how mentally and physically demanding the tasks were and highest for the immersive experience. SET-M average was 2.6 on a 3-point Likert scale.

Overall, learners greatly appreciate the effectiveness and experience of the VR platform, thus offering more VR opportunities to learners would provide an accessible and cost-effective means for simulation-based training.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the creation and implementation of virtual reality within the curriculum.
  • Demonstrate the incorporation of the HSSOBP into the development of the VR experience.
  • Summarize the implications of using VR simulation with learners.