Virtual Reality Simulation in a Health Assessment Laboratory Course: A Mixed-methods Explanatory Study Examining Student Satisfaction and Self-confidence.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to examine the relationship between virtual reality simulation (VRS) and student satisfaction and self-confidence in a health assessment laboratory course. METHODS: Second-year students (n = 37) completed a postoperative respiratory distress scenario using Elsevier's Simulation Learning System with Virtual Reality. All participants completed the Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale; a subset participated in 1:1 semistructured interviews. RESULTS: Satisfaction and self-confidence scores were strongly correlated. VRS experiences of fidelity, communication confidence and competence, learning with peers, integrated learning and critical thinking, and a safe space to learn were related to students' satisfaction and self-confidence. CONCLUSIONS: VRS experiences are correlated with high student satisfaction and self-confidence.

Virtual Health Assessment Laboratory Course Delivery and Nursing Student Clinical Judgment: A Mixed-Methods Exploratory Study.

BACKGROUND: It is essential to explore virtual learning experiences to identify their impact on nursing students' learning. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the virtual delivery of a health assessment laboratory course and nursing students' clinical judgment. METHODS: Using a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design, the investigators appraised the final laboratory examinations of both in-person and virtual delivery cohorts using the Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric (LCJR) and then interviewed faculty members. RESULTS: The LCJR total mean scores (mean = 10.64) and mean scores for Effective Noticing (mean = 3.48) were higher for the virtual delivery students. The faculty reported that virtual delivery advances students' critical appraisal skills related to subjective assessment but advocated for in-person delivery to develop physical examination techniques. CONCLUSION: Although the mean clinical judgment scores were higher for the students whose course delivery was virtual, in-person experiences are necessary to develop psychomotor techniques to prepare students for clinical practice.