Effect of the case-based learning method combined with virtual reality simulation technology on midwifery laboratory courses: A quasi-experimental study

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of case-based learning (CBL) method with virtual reality (VR) simulation technology (CBL-VR) on midwifery laboratory courses.

Methods: A quasi-experimental design was employed. A total of 135 midwifery students were recruited from Nursing College of Guilin Medical University in China from September 2020 to January 2022. Intervention group recruited students from the Class of 2019 (n = 59) and control group recruited students from the Class of 2018 (n = 76). The intervention group students received the CBL-VR method based on traditional laboratory teaching, the contents of course included four sections: eutocia (6 class hours), dystocia (6 class hours), umbilical cord prolapse (2 class hours), and neonatal asphyxia and resuscitation (4 class hours), 40 min per class hour. The control group students received the traditional laboratory teaching. Students' academic performance, Self-Directed Learning (SDL) Ability Questionnaire, and the education satisfaction questionnaire were used to evaluate the teaching efficacy between two groups.

Results: After intervention, the intervention group students achieved higher scores than the control group in individual operation ability (90.88 ± 2.14 vs. 89.24 ± 3.15), team operation ability (90.97 ± 2.33 vs. 81.28 ± 5.45), and midwifery case analysis ability (88.64 ± 3.19 vs. 86.70 ± 2.56) (P ＜0.01). Prior to the implementation of the course, there was no difference in the SDL ability scores between the two groups of students (P ＞ 0.05). However, following the course intervention, the SDL ability scores of the intervention group were higher than those of the control group (94.78 ± 6.59 vs. 88.12 ± 8.36), and the scores in all dimensions of the intervention group were also higher (P < 0.05). Additionally, more than 94% of the students indicated that CBL-VR method developed comprehensive abilities, including independent-study enthusiasm, independent thinking, collaboration, and communication.

Conclusion: Using the CBL-VR method in midwifery lab courses improved students' course performance, SDL ability, and comprehensive ability. Students highly recognized the effectiveness of this approach.

Keywords: Case-based learning; Midwifery laboratory courses; Nursing education; Self-directed learning; Virtual reality simulation technology.

Fig. 1

User interface (UI) design and user experience of the case-based learning method with virtual reality (CBL-VR) teaching system. A–C: UI design of the CBL-VR teaching software. D: A student is using the CBL-VR teaching equipment.