Effect of Non-Immersive Virtual Reality Simulation on Type 2 Diabetes Education for Nursing Students: A Randomised Controlled Trial
Heidi Singleton, Janet James, Liz Falconer, Debbie Holley, Jacqueline Priego‐Hernández, John Beavis, David Burden, Simone Penfold
Abstract
BackgroundA virtual reality simulation was used to teach treatment of diabetic patients.MethodsThis study evaluated the impact of using virtual reality on short term knowledge of hypoglycaemia, via pairing of a randomised controlled trial, analysed via Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modelling. The setting was two large lecture theatres based at campuses within the UK. Second year nursing students (n = 171) volunteered to take part in the study. Students were randomised into two groups, control (n = 88) and experimental (n = 83). The trial enabled comparison, via pre and posttest surveys, of the simulation with normative teaching methods.ResultsVR was found to be significantly (p ≤ .001) better in terms of hypoglycaemia knowledge thannormative methods. The method also enabled identification of the key point of action of the simulation, which evidenced that the “engagement to immersion” pathway was responsible for leading to higher knowledge scores in the experimental group.ConclusionThis paper claims addition to knowledge about how the novel approach taken has the potential to deepen understanding of how virtual technologies can affect learning in nurse education.