VNursLab 3D Simulator: A Web-Based Nursing Skills Simulation of Knowledge of Nursing Skill, Satisfaction, and Self-Confidence among Nursing Students

Abstract

The use of technology-based learning methods in nursing education is necessary in the era of digitalization, but these methods are limited, especially in developing countries, including Indonesia. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Virtual Nursing Skills Simulation Lab (VNursLab), a web-based nursing skills simulation using 3D technology, to improve the knowledge of nursing skills for intravenous catheterization, satisfaction, and self-confidence of nursing students in Indonesia. A quasi-experimental design was used. A total of 139 nursing students participated and were divided into intervention and control groups (69 and 70 participants, respectively). The intervention group had access to the VNursLab 3D simulator for three weeks and had three meetings. The control group had traditional learning (lecture and three meetings). The data were analyzed using the paired t-test, Wilcoxon test, and Mann–Whitney U test. The means and standard deviations of the post-test values in the two groups for the three parameters were 12.26 + 4.11 vs. 9.67 + 3.13 for nursing skill knowledge, 23.00 + 2.32 vs. 21.70 + 2.68 for satisfaction, and 36.25 + 3.48 vs. 34.96 + 3.39 for self-confidence. We found significant differences between the intervention and control groups regarding knowledge of nursing skills (p < 0.001), satisfaction (p < 0.001), and self-confidence (p = 0.014). The VNursLab 3D simulator could be an alternative learning medium to improve nursing students’ understanding of nursing skills, satisfaction, and self-confidence. However, this medium cannot replace direct practical experience. A combination of the two learning methods, virtual-based learning and hands-on practical learning, is beneficial in helping nursing students achieve nursing competencies.

Satisfaction and Self-Confidence of Nursing Students in Learning using 3D Simulators

“…This can be interpreted that students are very satisfied with learning using a 3D simulator. This is in line with research by Widiasih et al (2022), which showed a significant difference in satisfaction in the control and intervention groups. This is because the VNursLab 3D simulator provides a different learning experience from conventional learning.…”

“…This is supported by research Turrise et al (2020) and Widiasih et al (2022), which showed that the intervention group using the 3D simulator had higher self-confidence than the control group. 3D simulators allow users to practice the same scenario or repeatedly feature according to student needs and can display immediate feedback (Cobbett & Snelgrove-Clarke, 2016;Hudder et al, 2021;Widiasih et al, 2022). This repetition can improve students' readiness before taking action (Widiasih et al, 2022).…”

“…In addition, the VNursLab 3D simulator is easy to access using various electronic devices connected to the internet. It has been adapted to Indonesian culture and uses the Indonesian language to make it easier for students to understand (Widiasih et al, 2022). However, this is inversely proportional to the research conducted by Hudder et al (2021), and Cobbett and Snelgrove-Clarke (2016), where students who use 3D simulators have lower satisfaction than students who complete lab-based learning activities.…”

“…The validity test found that all question items were valid with r = > 0.361. In the reliability test, the Cronbach Alpha value for the satisfaction question items ranged from 0.718 to 0.753, while the Cronbach Alpha value for the selfconfidence question items ranged from 0.807 to 0.885 (Widiasih et al, 2022). The category of the satisfaction included Very Dissatisfied, Dissatisfied, Quite satisfied, Satisfied, and Very Satisfied.…”

“…Lack of self-confidence can result in a lack of student skills because they are afraid to provide nursing care (Huriani et al, 2022). Previous studies have shown that the use of 3D simulators can increase satisfaction and self-confidence (Padilha et al, 2019;Turrise et al, 2020;Widiasih et al, 2022), increase knowledge and self-efficacy (Forsberg et al, 2016;Goldsworthy et al, 2022), helping to reduce anxiety, prioritize and promote selfdirected learning (Goldsworthy et al, 2022). Research on satisfaction and self-confidence in using 3D simulators has been widely conducted in developed countries.…”