Evidentiary and theoretical foundations for virtual simulation in nursing education

• Published in: Journal of professional nursing Vol. 37; no. 5; pp. 810 - 815
• Main Authors: Dolan, Hanne, Amidon, Brayton J., Gephart, Sheila M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.09.2021
• Subjects: Adult; Andragogy; Bloom's taxonomy; COVID-19; Education, Nursing; Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate; Humans; Learning styles; Learning theory; Nursing education; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Students, Nursing; Virtual simulation; Andragogy; Nursing education; Learning theory; Bloom's taxonomy; Virtual simulation; Learning styles
• ISSN: 8755-7223; 1532-8481
• DOI: 10.1016/j.profnurs.2021.06.001

Virtual simulation has been used extensively in nursing education since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic due to the unavailability of clinical sites. Extant research supports substitution of up to 50% of nursing clinical hours with simulation. However, in many nursing programs virtual simulation is currently substituting more than half of traditional clinical hours, and the knowledge gaps and limitations surrounding virtual simulation exist. The purpose of this paper is to describe the evidentiary and theoretical foundations for virtual simulation. Through examination of adult learning theories, learning styles and Bloom’s Revised Taxonomy, recommendations for maximizing the use of virtual simulation in the current clinical learning environment are outlined. Debriefing is a vital component of virtual simulation. Synchronous debriefing with nursing students, faculty, preceptors, and peers provides the opportunity for scaffolding to support students’ learning needs and foster reflection and evaluation to mitigate shortcomings of virtual simulation in the current clinical learning environment. •Virtual simulation is increasingly used in nursing education.•Virtual simulation is used beyond evidentiary support due to COVID-19.•Theoretical foundations can minimize evidence gaps for virtual simulation.•Scaffolding and debriefing are recommended in extended use of virtual simulation.