Nursing students' perceptions of interaction in a multiplayer virtual reality simulation: A qualitative descriptive study

Abstract

Aim: To describe nursing students' perceptions of interaction in a multiplayer virtual reality (MPVR) simulation. Design: A qualitative descriptive study. Methods: Second-semester nursing students (n = 24) participated in pairs in MPVR simulations and semi-structured interviews. Data were analysed deductively and inductively. Results: Four types of interaction in a MPVR simulation were identified: interaction between the students, interaction between the student and the virtual environment (VE), interaction between the student and the virtual patient (VP), and interaction between the student and the simulation facilitator. Interaction consisted of verbal and nonverbal interaction, as well as object manipulation and movement in the VE. The reasons for interaction were to coordinate the care, to assess the VP, and to implement VPs' care. Conclusions: MPVR simulation offered nursing students an opportunity to practice nurse-to-nurse interaction and interaction related to nurses' collaboration, which are essential skills in nursing practice. Students were also able to interact with the VP, which can promote students' nurse–patient interaction skills. Therefore, MPVR simulations can be utilized as a platform to enhance interaction skills of future healthcare professionals, which could improve patient safety. Patient or Public Contribution: None.