Virtual Gaming Simulation in Nursing Education: A Focus Group Study.

BACKGROUND

The use of serious gaming in a virtual world is a novel pedagogical approach in nursing education. A virtual gaming simulation was implemented in a health assessment class that focused on mental health and interpersonal violence. The study's purpose was to explore students' experiences of the virtual gaming simulation.

METHOD

Three focus groups were conducted with a convenience sample of 20 first-year nursing students after they completed the virtual gaming simulation.

RESULTS

Analysis yielded five themes: (a) Experiential Learning, (b) The Learning Process, (c) Personal Versus Professional, (d) Self-Efficacy, and (e) Knowledge.

CONCLUSION

Virtual gaming simulation can provide experiential learning opportunities that promote engagement and allow learners to acquire and apply new knowledge while practicing skills in a safe and realistic environment. [J Nurs Educ. 2017;56(5):274-280.].