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Cited by 37Simulation-Based Education in HealthcareVirtual Reality Applications and ImpactsAnatomy and Medical Technology

Virtual reality in midwifery education: a mixed methods study to assess learning and understanding

Ryan, Grace, Callaghan, Shauna, Rafferty, Anthony, Murphy, John, Higgins, Mary, Barry, Theresa, Mangina, Eleni, Carroll, Lorraine +1 more·2022·Nurse Education Today
DOI 10.1016/j.nedt.2022.105573
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Abstract

Background Virtual reality learning environments (VRLEs) are a potentially valuable learning tool that have recently increased in popularity due to widespread availability and decreased cost. VRLEs can provide an immersive learning environment that increases the understanding of three-dimensional relationships between anatomical structures. However, there is a paucity of evidence in the literature supporting its use within Midwifery education.Objectives To explore the effectiveness of a VRLE as an educational tool in midwifery education.Setting A large University in Ireland, with institutional ethical approval.Participants Undergraduate and graduate degree midwifery students.Design A descriptive qualitative and quantitative study was carried out. Data collection was carried out between September 2020 and March 2021.Methods Participants underwent a VRLE lesson based on the topic of fetal lie, position, and presentation in pregnancy. A multiple-choice questionnaire was used to quantitatively evaluate knowledge before and immediately after the intervention, and knowledge retention after one week. Qualitative data was collected using open-ended questions in the questionnaire. The primary outcome was a difference in pre- and post-intervention knowledge scores. Data was analysed using repeated measures one-way ANOVA. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis and simple content analysis. All students participated in the quantitative and qualitative components of the study. Secondary outcomes included participant satisfaction and self-confidence in learning which were analysed using thematic analysis. The side effect profile of the virtual reality device was also explored using open-ended questions in the questionnaire.Results Forty-one midwifery students participated in the study, with a 100 % participation and response rate. Repeated measures one-way ANOVA revealed no statistically significant differences in knowledge scores pre- and post-intervention. Participants rated high satisfaction and self-confidence scores with regard to the VRLE as a learning modality. Side effects most commonly experienced by participants included dizziness (49 %), disorientation (30 %) and symptoms similar to motion sickness (32 %). The following themes were identified: "Learning in 3D", "The Power of Visual Learning", "The value of Educational Technology", "Learning can be fun and enjoyable".Conclusions This study showed that the VRLE had no impact on knowledge gain, though high levels of satisfaction and self-confidence indicate a positive response to the VRLE. VRLEs are a potentially valuable learning tool to help enhance the student learning experience, promoting increased engagement, satisfaction, and self-confidence with the learning material.

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Authors
Ryan, G., Callaghan, S., Rafferty, A., Murphy, J., Higgins, M., Barry, T., Mangina, E., Carroll, L., & McAuliffe, F.
Affiliations
  • University College Dublin (IE)
  • National Maternity Hospital (IE)
Corresponding author
McAuliffe, Fionnuala
ORCID
Venue
Nurse Education Today
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Published
2022-12
Volume
119
Pages
105573
ISSN
0260-6917 (ISSN-L)
DOI
10.1016/j.nedt.2022.105573
OpenAlex
W4296677322
Cited by
37
References
54
Citations by year
2026: 10 · 2025: 12 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 4
FWCI
4.17
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Licence
Locations
  • Nurse Education Today (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Physiology › Simulation-Based Education in Healthcare
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Human-Computer Interaction › Virtual Reality Applications and Impacts
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Biomedical Engineering › Anatomy and Medical Technology
Keywords
reality, midwifery education, 3D anatomical visualization, knowledge retention, student satisfaction, self-confidence, immersive learning, educational technology, student engagement, midwifery students, student perceptions
MeSH terms
Virtual Reality, Clinical Competence, Education, Nursing, Baccalaureate, Female, Humans, Learning, Midwifery, Pregnancy, Students, Nursing

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