Clinical Virtual Simulation as Lifelong Learning Strategy—Nurse's Verdict

Abstract

BackgroundLifelong learning in nursing is one of the main strategies to enhance quality and safety in nursing care. Technological advances have led to clinical virtual simulation (CVS) becoming a means of enhancing nurses' clinical reasoning skills within lifelong learning. However, little is known about nurses’ perceptions with regard to the ease of use and usefulness of CVS and their intention to use this technology. AimThe aim of this study is to assess the ease of use and usefulness of CVS and the intention of emergency nurses to use CVS to enhance their clinical reasoning skills in lifelong learning. MethodsAn exploratory, descriptive, and cross-sectional study was conducted using a quantitative approach. A nonprobabilistic sample of 131 emergency nurses was recruited from two Portuguese hospitals. The data were collected through a questionnaire (using a 10-point Likert scale) based on the technology acceptance model. ResultsThe results showed an average of perceived ease of use of the CVS of 9.03, perceived usefulness of 9.14, and an intention to use CVS in lifelong learning of 8.85.The results also showed an average of 8.96 concerning the relevance of CVS and an average of 9.34 with regard to its role as a facilitator in lifelong learning in nursing. ConclusionCVS seems to be a strategy of great promise, as a novel approach in lifelong learning within the context of contemporary nursing.