The Impact of Virtual Simulation in Capstone Design: Enhancing Communication, Critical Thinking, and Team Efficacy

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the impact of a virtual simulation case integrated into a capstone design course on enhancing nursing students' skills. The study utilized a one-group repeated measures design, focusing on 59 second-year nursing students from the researcher's university, selected through convenience sampling. The core of the methodology was to integrate a virtual simulation case into a capstone design class as part of the nursing course. This innovative approach aimed to assess and enhance students' communication skills, critical thinking, and team efficacy. Measurements were taken before and after the class to assess progress. The data analysis involved t-tests and descriptive statistics. Post-class assessments revealed improvements in communication skills, critical thinking, and team efficacy, although these were not statistically significant. Notably, significant gains were observed in the subdomains of 'intellectual passion/curiosity' and 'systematicity. These results suggested potential benefits of virtual simulations in nursing education, particularly in fostering specific aspects of critical thinking. It was crucial for instructors to effectively utilize teaching methods, such as capstone design, to enhance students' practical competence. This study suggests the potential of virtual content in nursing education to enhance students' communication skills, critical thinking, and team efficacy by providing interactive experiences that simulate real-world environments. It is essential for instructors to be able to effectively utilize teaching methods, such as capstone design, to enhance students' practical competence. This approach can contribute to improving the quality of nursing education by expanding practical opportunities for nursing students.