Virtual Reality Simulation Training for Student Nurse Education

Abstract

In this paper, the current developments for Virtual Reality (VR) simulation in the Nursing Education sector is investigated with the design and implementation of a 'serious game' that utilizes the increased immersive user experience of Head-Mounted Display (HMD) headset in a task orientated simulation. A hospital ward was recreated and populated with Virtual Patients (VPs) suffering from Dementia (a neuro-degenerative disease) and various other None-Player-Characters (NPCs) such as friends, family members and hospital staff for further representation of the nursing role and responsibilities in a realistic environment. This paper identifies future areas of development for the field and its significance on student education today with foundations documented from testing with university nursing students.