Abstract
Background
Within an Erasmus+ funded program, an interactive Virtual Reality Learning Environment (VRLE), the “Virtual Children’s Hospital,” was developed to enhance pediatric nursing education. Caring for children, adolescents, and families requires specialized knowledge, skills, and attitudes. The VRLE supports pediatric nursing competence development through immersive, self-paced learning and structured educational content in a safe digital environment, incorporating innovative teaching practices and simulation-based learning.
Methods
A descriptive pilot study was conducted. The VRLE includes a virtual pediatric hospital, 4 study modules, educational material including videos, 3D models, and interactive tests. Further, simulations with interactive avatars, innovative teaching approaches, and practical procedures, enabling flexible and collaborative learning across countries. A Likert-scale questionnaire evaluated participants’ perceptions of content, accessibility, relevance, and usability.
Results
Pilot testing involved 60 undergraduate nursing students enrolled in the Pediatric Nursing course and 9 educators from Finland, Cyprus, and Estonia. Students’ median “at least good” ratings combining modules, simulations, and VRLE were 68.8% (Content), 64.6% (Relevance), 65.5% (Accessibility), and 60.2% (Usability). Educators rated the platform considerably higher: Content 83.3%, Relevance 100%, Accessibility 100%, and Usability 77.8%. Both groups showed strong agreement in Relevance and Accessibility, confirming the platform’s clinical applicability. Usability was the lowest-rate domain for both groups.
Conclusions
The VRLE demonstrates strong acceptance among nursing students and educators, confirming its potential as an innovative and clinically relevant pedagogical tool. Improving usability through simplified navigation and enhanced interactivity will maximize its potential for nursing education and pediatric clinical practice across Europe.
Key messages
• The “Virtual Children’s Hospital” VRLE demonstrates acceptance among nursing students and educators, offering an effective, safe, immersive environment for pediatric nursing competence development.
• International pilot findings highlight the potential of VRLE-based simulation to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-life pediatric clinical practice in European nursing programs.