Comparing artificial intelligence-enhanced virtual reality and simulated patient simulations in undergraduate nursing education

IF 2.5 3区医学 Q1 NURSING

Clinical Simulation in Nursing Pub Date : 2025-07-12 DOI:10.1016/j.ecns.2025.101780

Nicole Harder RN, PhD , Fiha Ali MSW , Sufia Turner RN, MN , Kimberly Workum RN, MEd , Lawrence Gillman MD, MMEd

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction

Simulation-based learning (SBL) is foundational in nursing education, traditionally employing simulated patients (SPs) to create realistic clinical scenarios. Recent technological advances have introduced Artificial Intelligence-Enhanced Virtual Reality (AI-VR) as a scalable, cost-effective alternative.

Aim and Methods

This qualitative descriptive study explored undergraduate nursing students’ experiences with both AI-VR and SP simulations, focusing on perceptions of realism, psychological safety, and skill development.

Findings

While 240 students participated overall (120 in each simulation modality), in-depth qualitative data were collected from 20 third-year nursing students who experienced either approach through four focus groups. Findings revealed that SP simulations excel in fostering emotional engagement and hands-on learning, whereas AI-VR provides an intuitive, judgment-free environment conducive to rapid decision-making and iterative practice.

Conclusions

The study indicates implications for curriculum design, faculty development, and future research, advocating for an integrated approach that leverages the strengths of both modalities.

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人工智能增强虚拟现实与模拟病人模拟在本科护理教育中的比较

基于模拟的学习（SBL）是护理教育的基础，传统上采用模拟患者（SPs）来创建现实的临床场景。最近的技术进步引入了人工智能增强虚拟现实（AI-VR）作为可扩展的，具有成本效益的替代方案。目的和方法本定性描述性研究探讨了本科护理学生在AI-VR和SP模拟中的体验，重点关注真实感、心理安全感和技能发展。研究结果：总共有240名学生参与（每种模拟模式各120名），通过四个焦点小组，从20名三年级护理专业的学生中收集了深入的定性数据。研究结果显示，SP模拟在培养情感参与和动手学习方面表现出色，而AI-VR提供了一个直观、无判断的环境，有利于快速决策和迭代练习。该研究表明了课程设计、教师发展和未来研究的意义，提倡综合利用两种模式的优势。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Clinical Simulation in Nursing NURSING-

CiteScore

5.50

自引率

15.40%

发文量

107

期刊介绍： Clinical Simulation in Nursing is an international, peer reviewed journal published online monthly. Clinical Simulation in Nursing is the official journal of the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation & Learning (INACSL) and reflects its mission to advance the science of healthcare simulation. We will review and accept articles from other health provider disciplines, if they are determined to be of interest to our readership. The journal accepts manuscripts meeting one or more of the following criteria: Research articles and literature reviews (e.g. systematic, scoping, umbrella, integrative, etc.) about simulation Innovative teaching/learning strategies using simulation Articles updating guidelines, regulations, and legislative policies that impact simulation Leadership for simulation Simulation operations Clinical and academic uses of simulation.