The Effect of Virtual Presence and Self-Efficacy on Nursing Students' Evaluation of Virtual Simulation Training

Abstract

The study aims to determine the effect of virtual simulation practice in nursing students using the Virtual Patient Learning System Evaluation (VPLSE) tool. The study uses descriptive research, centering on correlation and regression analysis. 295 nursing students in Grades 3 and 4 who have experienced virtual simulation practice within the past year were included. The main variables of VPLSE comprise four sub-domains: nursing knowledge improvement, clinical competency development, confidence in nursing performance, and nursing care plan application. In addition to the VPLSE, two other tools, measuring virtual presence and self-efficacy, were utilized. The VPLSE was significantly positively correlated with virtual presence and self-efficacy, respectively. The VPLSE subdomain of "clinical competency development" had a strong positive correlation with virtual presence. To increase the effect of virtual simulation education, it is necessary to maintain the advantages of virtual simulation practice, such as freedom from space and time, repeated learning, psychological stability and application of nursing plans.