Development and Evaluation of a Wearable Simulator System

Advancing nursing education through wearable electronic devices: A scoping review

AIM

To examine the incorporation of wearable electronic devices in the education of undergraduate nursing students.

BACKGROUND

The advancement of technology has influenced nursing education and will continue to do so in the future. Wearable technologies are electronic devices that can be worn as an accessory and expand the possibilities in nursing education with increased engagement in the learning process.

DESIGN

A scoping review was conducted following JBI and reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines.

METHODS

The search was performed on August 25th, 2023, in the databases: MEDLINE via PubMed, ISI Web of Science, ERIC, EBSCOhost CINAHL, EBSCOhost Academic Search Premier, EBSCOhost Health Source Nursing, EMBASE, Scopus, BVShost LILACS and ProQuest. Literature that examined the application of wearable electronic devices in the education of undergraduate nursing students was included.

RESULTS

This scoping review study included a total of 21 records published between 2014 and 2023. The analysis showed that smart glasses are the most common wearable electronic device used in nursing education, followed by smartwatches. The devices provide an opportunity for competencies development, especially when applied in the simulation environment, such as physical examination and medication administration. Wearable technologies are potentially useful and feasible as learning tools in nursing education, increasing nursing students' motivation, confidence and satisfaction.

CONCLUSIONS

In the technological revolution, educators must consider the potential of innovative teaching strategies, such as wearable electronic devices, to advance nursing education. Wearables can contribute to developing competencies required for the professionalism of undergraduate nursing students.

Exploring the effects of extended reality head-mounted display nervous system assessment training for nursing students: A pilot feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Health assessment is crucial for planning nursing interventions. Specifically, cerebrovascular diseases involve rapid neurological changes that necessitate precise hands-on assessment skills training.

OBJECTIVES

This study developed and implemented an extended reality head-mounted display (HMD) nervous system assessment training program for nursing students to identify the usability and effectiveness of the system by analyzing their experiences.

DESIGN

This was a mixed-methods study that combined the quantitative element of a one-group pre-post-test design with the qualitative element of qualitative content analysis.

SETTING

University in Korea.

PARTICIPANTS

The study involved 36 nursing students in their 4th year who completed classes in health assessments and adult nursing (nervous system).

METHODS

An extended reality nervous system assessment training program was developed using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and limb strength assessment. The learners wore HMD and received training at their own pace. System usability, confidence in nervous system assessment, learning satisfaction, and performance ability were measured and analyzed using SPSS Windows software version 28.0. Descriptive data were used for qualitative content analysis of the training experience.

RESULTS

The usability of the extended-reality HMD nervous system assessment training received positive feedback and most participants (94.4 %) agreed with the system's consistency. Confidence in nervous system assessment significantly improved after the training (p < .001). After the training, learning satisfaction and performance ability were high. Furthermore, advantages of XR-based learning devices and positive learning were observed. Nonetheless, issues such as difficulties in operating the device, inconvenience, physical side effects of wearing the device, and technical limitations existed.

CONCLUSIONS

This study developed and implemented an extended-reality HMD nervous system assessment training program to confirm its feasibility. However, challenges regarding device utilization need to be resolved for its effective development as a learning tool.