Effects of virtual reality-based disaster simulation education on nursing students

Abstract

Background This study aimed to confirm the effectiveness of disaster simulation education that uses virtual reality (VR). Method This quasi-experimental study was conducted using a non-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design. Participants in this study were third- and fourth-year nursing students at two universities. A total of 67 nursing students were included in the analysis, with 33 in the experimental group and 34 in the control group. The experimental group underwent VR disaster simulation education based on cognitive continuum theory. The control group underwent written case simulation. Results Disaster triage accuracy (t = 6.11, p < .001), disaster triage confidence (t = 2.69, p = .009), learning immersion (t = 6.88, p < .001), and cognitive flexibility (t = 5.47, p < .001) significantly increased in the experimental group. Conclusion The possibility of using the VR simulation program based on cognitive continuum theory developed through this study should be further explored. An effective educational strategy is presented to strengthen prospective health care professionals’ disaster capabilities through VR disaster simulation education training.