Virtual Reality Simulation and Self-Efficacy

Abstract

Virtual reality (VR) has long been utilized to enhance learning opportunities among trainees in a multitude of medical professions. Implementation of VR has grown in popularity over the years due to the ability of students to immerse themselves in real-world clinical environments that provide safe and effective experiences to enhance clinical skills. In contrast to human patient simulators or mannequin-based training, VR offers student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) the ability to visualize a more anatomically correct representation of the human body. The aim of this QA/QI study at AdventHealth University was to incorporate Anatomage tables in learning the airway and respiratory tract, an understanding that is critical to the skill of intubation in the education of SRNAs. The goal was to determine if exposure to this technology increased feelings of preparedness in the 2026 cohort regarding their ability to appropriately identify airway anatomy and successfully intubate before approaching real-life clinical scenarios. Outcomes were measured through a single post-test for all participants utilizing the Self-Efficacy Scale (SES) modeled after the Learning Self-Efficacy Scale. The results determined that Anatomage tables provided a statistically significant enhancement to the novice SRNAs training in airway anatomy, suggesting their integration into the DNAP program at AHU for future cohorts. Recommendations based on the results were communicated to AdventHealth University faculty regarding the benefit of VR, specifically Anatomage tables, for the overall preparedness or self-efficacy students perceive before starting clinical rotations within the Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice program.

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Keywords

self-efficacy, student registered nurse anesthetist, virtual learning

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