Methodological approaches and competence areas of nursing students in virtual reality simulation research A scoping review

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.