VIRTUAL REALITY SIMULATION SHOWS GREAT PROMISE

ABSTRACT

Virtual reality (VR) simulation pairs best practices for simulation training with gaming. This education modality has been used primarily in student nurse education but is emerging as a valuable tool in competency training of new and experienced nurses. The COVID-19 pandemic brought challenges of providing a safe environment to teach and practice skills. VR simulation provides a realistic scenario without the risk of harm to the learner or patient. Benefits of this education modality include reduced supply usage and cost;it is, low risk and low anxiety;it is not location or time bound, it can be customized, and The ability to create a consistent simulation experience with low variation in a safe learning environment leads to highly reliable education. The purpose of the VR simulation pilot was to measure knowledge, skill, and self-efficacy of cleaning a small hazardous drug spill before and after completing a virtual reality simulation. The pilot was conducted at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, a Magnet designated, academic medical center with greater than 900 beds in Chicago. After completion of the Cleaning a Hazardous Drug Spill Virtual Reality Simulation, learners will be able to choose the PPE and supplies needed to safely clean a hazardous drug spill, determine the correct order of donning and doffing PPE, and perform the steps to clean a hazardous drug spill. The learning outcomes included demonstrating how to respond and clean a small hazardous drug spill along with feeling prepared to clean a hazardous drug spill in their work environment. Pre- and post- evaluations were collected to measure knowledge, skill, self-efficacy, and satisfaction. An increase in knowledge and skills were found. learners were satisfied with their experience and interested in using VR simulation to learn new skills. According to the data, 100% of learners agreed or strongly agreed that after completing the VR simulation that they felt prepared to clean a hazardous drug spill in their setting. VR simulation is a fun and effective tool to teach novice and experienced nurses. Our pilot and recent studies show that VR simulation has comparable learning outcomes to traditional training simulation. Simulation with VR is an emerging supplement to didactic education, supplying the hands-on training nurses need, and shows great promise for the modern healthcare setting.