A mixed-methods feasibility study to assess the acceptability and applicability of immersive virtual reality sepsis game as an adjunct to nursing education

Adhikari, Rakshya; Kydonaki, Claire; Lawrie, Joanne; O'Reilly, Michelle; Ballantyne, Bruce; Whitehorn, Jane; Paterson, Ruth

Abstract

Abstract
Background: Virtual Reality (VR) simulation has been a topic of interest in recent years as an innovative strategy for healthcare education. Although there are a handful of studies evaluating VR simulation on knowledge, motivation, and satisfaction; there is a paucity of evidence to evaluate the effectiveness, acceptability and usability of 'Immersive' VR (IVR) simulation in nursing students.

Objectives: A two-stage sequential mixed-methods feasibility study underpinned by gaming theory investigated; (1) the impact of IVR sepsis game on pre-registration nurses' self-efficacy and, (2) their perceptions of the acceptability and applicability of IVR sepsis game as an adjunct to nursing simulation education.

Methods: The IVR simulation intervention was designed in collaboration with serious game specialists. Stage one collated pre and post-intervention self-efficacy scores with 19 pre-registration nurses using the validated instrument, Nursing Anxiety and Self-Confidence with Clinical Decision Making (NASC-CDM©) scale. Stage two used a descriptive qualitative approach to explore student nurses' perceptions of the game.

Results: In stage one, pre and post-test scores revealed significant increase in self-confidence (26.1%, P < 0.001) and a significant decrease in anxiety (23.4%, P < 0.001). Stage two qualitative responses revealed four over-arching themes: acceptability, applicability, areas of improvement of IVR sepsis game and limitations of IVR game.

Conclusion: IVR simulation show promise as an adjunct for nurse simulation and it appears to increase self-efficacy in pre-registration nursing students. Further testing with a sufficiently powered sample size will ratify findings and provide effective solutions to distance and online learning.

Citation

Adhikari, R., Kydonaki, C., Lawrie, J., O'Reilly, M., Ballantyne, B., Whitehorn, J., & Paterson, R. (2021). A mixed-methods feasibility study to assess the acceptability and applicability of immersive virtual reality sepsis game as an adjunct to nursing education. Nurse Education Today, 103, Article 104944. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2021.104944

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 21, 2021
• Online Publication Date: May 4, 2021
• Publication Date: 2021-08
• Deposit Date: Jul 8, 2021
• Journal: Nurse Education Today
• Print ISSN: 0260-6917
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 103
• Article Number: 104944
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2021.104944
• Keywords: Immersive virtual reality, Sepsis game, Self-efficacy, Acceptability, Nursing education
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2781691