Usability of augmented reality for clinical decision-making: A qualitative study in a nursing baccalaureate program

IF 2.5 Q2 NURSING

Teaching and Learning in Nursing Pub Date : 2026-10-01 Epub Date: 2026-07-25 DOI:10.1016/j.teln.2026.07.002

Bettina Flaiz RN, Sabine Münzenmay RN, MA, Margrit Ebinger MPH

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background

Augmented reality (AR) provides immersive learning experiences in nursing education, yet evidence on its effectiveness for advanced students’ clinical skill development is limited.

Aim

This study explored third-year nursing students’ experiences using AR (HoloLens with HoloPatient) for patient case simulations in a clinical decision-making seminar.

Methods

A qualitative explorative design was employed. Four focus groups with 58 third-year students were conducted. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke) to identify experiences and perceptions related to AR use.

Results

Students reported initial fascination and increased motivation. AR offered a safe, low-stress environment that supported observation and clinical decision-making. However, technical barriers, including software delays and limited usability, along with the absence of interactive and multisensory features, constrained realism and hindered the practice of essential professional skills.

Conclusion

AR shows promise as an engaging tool for nursing education, particularly for clinical decision-making. Nevertheless, limitations in interactivity and technical functionality restrict its full educational potential. Enhancing AR interactivity and developing pedagogically grounded integration frameworks are recommended for future use.

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增强现实在临床决策中的可用性：护理学士学位课程的定性研究

增强现实（AR）为护理教育提供了身临其境的学习体验，但其对高级学生临床技能发展的有效性证据有限。目的探讨三年级护生在临床决策研讨会上使用AR （HoloLens with HoloPatient）进行病例模拟的经验。方法采用定性探索性设计。对58名三年级学生进行了四个焦点小组的调查。使用主题分析（Braun & Clarke）对数据进行分析，以确定与AR使用相关的体验和感知。结果学生们报告了最初的着迷和动力的增加。AR提供了一个安全、低压力的环境，支持观察和临床决策。然而，技术障碍，包括软件延迟和有限的可用性，以及缺乏交互和多感官功能，限制了现实主义，阻碍了基本专业技能的实践。结论ar在护理教育中具有良好的应用前景，特别是在临床决策方面。然而，交互性和技术功能的限制限制了其充分的教育潜力。建议将来使用增强增强现实的交互性和开发基于教学的集成框架。

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

Teaching and Learning in Nursing NURSING-

CiteScore

2.60

自引率

10.50%

发文量

119

审稿时长

37 days

期刊介绍： Teaching and Learning in Nursing is the Official Journal of the National Organization of Associate Degree Nursing. The journal is dedicated to the advancement of Associate Degree Nursing education and practice, and promotes collaboration in charting the future of health care education and delivery. Topics include: - Managing Different Learning Styles - New Faculty Mentoring - Legal Issues - Research - Legislative Issues - Instructional Design Strategies - Leadership, Management Roles - Unique Funding for Programs and Faculty