Virtual Reality Simulation in Disaster Nursing Education and Training: A Scoping Review

ABSTRACT

Background

Disaster response presents significant challenges to the competence of nurses. Virtual reality simulation (VRS) offers innovative opportunities for nursing administrators and educators in the field of disaster nursing education and training.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the use and effectiveness of virtual reality simulations in disaster nursing education and training.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted using the Arksey and O'Malley framework, extended by Levac. The following databases were systematically searched from inception to August 30, 2024: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CNKI, Wanfang Database and CBM. Two researchers independently screened the identified articles and extracted relevant data. This scoping review was reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist.

Results

The review included thirteen studies published between 2013 and 2024. Of these, seven studies employed a quasi-experimental design, six utilised a randomised controlled trial (RCT) design and one study used a longitudinal experimental design. The disaster nursing education and training content covered six main areas: triage training, on-site first aid training, infectious disease prevention and control, disaster response skills training, emergency response training for nursing staff and post-disaster psychological recovery training. The reported outcomes primarily focused on Kirkpatrick's Level 1 (participant satisfaction with the training experience) and Level 2 (measuring the benefit to participants from the training).

Relevance to Clinical Practice

This scoping review identified the research progress and trends of virtual reality simulation technology in the process of cultivating disaster nursing talents at home and abroad and provides a reference for disaster nursing managers and educators to conduct disaster nursing training based on virtual reality simulation technology.

No Patient or Public Contribution

This is a review article based on a review of the literature, with no patient participation.