Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Training in Disaster Medicine Courses for Students in Nursing: A Scoping Review of Adoptable Tools

• Published in: Behavioral sciences Vol. 13; no. 7; p. 616
• Main Authors: Magi, Camilla Elena, Bambi, Stefano, Iovino, Paolo, El Aoufy, Khadija, Amato, Carla, Balestri, Chiara, Rasero, Laura, Longobucco, Yari
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland MDPI AG 01.07.2023; MDPI
• Subjects: Augmented Reality; Collaborative learning; Disaster medicine; Emergency preparedness; Experiential learning; Immersive learning; Mass casualty incidents; Medical personnel; Nurses; Nursing education; Nursing students; paramedic students; Paramedics; Professionals; Review; Simulation; Students; Training; Virtual reality; competence; paramedic students; virtual reality; learning immersion; self-efficacy; augmented reality; disaster medicine; mass casualty incidents; training; nursing students
• DOI: 10.3390/bs13070616
• ISSN: 2076-328X

Nurses and paramedics play a pivotal role when mass casualty incidents (MCI) occur, yet they often feel unprepared for such events. Implementation strategies for training activities, including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) simulations, offer realistic and immersive learning experiences, enhancing skills and competencies for nursing students. The aim of this work was to investigate the adopted tools in studies on VR and AR simulations for training nursing and paramedic students in managing MCI. A scoping review was performed following the PRISMA-ScR statement, and the search strategy was conducted through five electronic databases from December 2022 to March 2023. Of 162 records identified, 27 full texts were screened and, six studies were included in this review. These studies involved students who were assigned to different training methods, including immersive VR simulation, written instruction, and traditional lecture. VR and AR and immersive simulation generally show promising evidence in enhancing practical skills and knowledge in MCI management. VR and AR showed to be promising in disaster education and preparedness training, offering different levels of immersiveness and engagement, encouraging active and experiential learning. Further research is needed to determine their long-term effectiveness. The choice of training method should consider program goals, target population, and available resources.