VR-CBS-ECGImmersive VR vs. Computer-Based Simulation in ECG Education for Nursing Students

This study is about comparing different ways to teach nursing students how to understand and interpret electrocardiograms (ECGs), a test that measures the heart's electrical activity. The study involves undergraduate nursing students in their first year at Beykent University in Istanbul, Turkey. The study is important because it aims to find out which teaching method is most effective in improving students' knowledge, skills, and motivation in ECG education. This could potentially lead to better patient care by ensuring future nurses are well-equipped to interpret ECG results. The study assigns participants into three groups: one group uses immersive virtual reality (VR) simulation, another group uses computer-based simulation (CBS), and the last group practices traditional laboratory methods. All participants attend a standard ECG lecture first. Then, they engage in their assigned learning method for 90 minutes. The VR group uses Oculus Quest 2 headsets to simulate real ECG procedures, the CBS group completes interactive ECG modules on a computer, and the traditional group practices on manikins with verbal instruction. One week after the intervention, the students' ECG knowledge, skills, and motivation are evaluated. The study uses a researcher-developed ECG Knowledge Test, a skills checklist, and a motivation survey to measure these outcomes.