The efficacy of virtual reality flipped learning with collaborative role-playing in nursing education

Abstract Background Critical thinking is a fundamental yet overlooked skill of nursing education, crucial for equipping future nurses to navigate complex clinical scenarios. Nonetheless, conventional learning methods often emphasize individual learning modes, thereby neglecting collaborative opportu...

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Main Authors: Yongqiao Li, Junjie Gavin Wu, Danyang Zhang, Yuting Chen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-08-01
Series:BMC Nursing
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03709-2
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author Yongqiao Li
Junjie Gavin Wu
Danyang Zhang
Yuting Chen
author_facet Yongqiao Li
Junjie Gavin Wu
Danyang Zhang
Yuting Chen
author_sort Yongqiao Li
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Background Critical thinking is a fundamental yet overlooked skill of nursing education, crucial for equipping future nurses to navigate complex clinical scenarios. Nonetheless, conventional learning methods often emphasize individual learning modes, thereby neglecting collaborative opportunities such as teamwork and role-playing. Also, traditional nursing education focuses on the training of hands-on practice, but the lack of contextualized learning through clinical scenario simulation limits the development of critical thinking, ultimately hindering the full potential of nursing education. This study aimed to assess the effects of a Collaborative Role Playing-Based Virtual Reality Flipped Learning (CRP-based VR-FL) approach in nursing education. Methods A mixed-methods quasi-experimental study enrolled 133 nursing students via class-matching. CRP-based and non-CRP VR-FL methods were compared over a one-month intravenous (IV) infusion training programme. The research evaluated the impact of these instructional strategies on students’ learning achievement and critical thinking skills by administering pre- and post-tests on knowledge related to IV infusions, a pre- and post-test critical thinking tendencies questionnaire, and a self-assessment. Results The CRP-based VR-FL approach significantly improved IV infusion knowledge (p < 0.05) and critical thinking, particularly in decision-making (p < 0.05), though attitudinal differences were non-significant (p > 0.1). Furthermore, based on the students’ self-assessments, it is evident that this method significantly enhanced students’ learning experiences, including engagement, participation, teamwork, and independent learning skills. Conclusion Consequently, it is recommended that nursing education actively pursue and implement the CRP-based VR-FL approach to cultivate high-quality nursing professionals.
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spelling doaj-art-a1e4f37d1fd94fadb0e92f73908de8f92025-08-24T11:16:24ZengBMCBMC Nursing1472-69552025-08-0124111410.1186/s12912-025-03709-2The efficacy of virtual reality flipped learning with collaborative role-playing in nursing educationYongqiao Li0Junjie Gavin Wu1Danyang Zhang2Yuting Chen3Faculty of Applied Sciences, Macao Polytechnic UniversityFaculty of Applied Sciences, Macao Polytechnic UniversityCollege of International Studies, Shenzhen UniversityDepartment of Nursing, Guangdong Maoming Health Vocational CollegeAbstract Background Critical thinking is a fundamental yet overlooked skill of nursing education, crucial for equipping future nurses to navigate complex clinical scenarios. Nonetheless, conventional learning methods often emphasize individual learning modes, thereby neglecting collaborative opportunities such as teamwork and role-playing. Also, traditional nursing education focuses on the training of hands-on practice, but the lack of contextualized learning through clinical scenario simulation limits the development of critical thinking, ultimately hindering the full potential of nursing education. This study aimed to assess the effects of a Collaborative Role Playing-Based Virtual Reality Flipped Learning (CRP-based VR-FL) approach in nursing education. Methods A mixed-methods quasi-experimental study enrolled 133 nursing students via class-matching. CRP-based and non-CRP VR-FL methods were compared over a one-month intravenous (IV) infusion training programme. The research evaluated the impact of these instructional strategies on students’ learning achievement and critical thinking skills by administering pre- and post-tests on knowledge related to IV infusions, a pre- and post-test critical thinking tendencies questionnaire, and a self-assessment. Results The CRP-based VR-FL approach significantly improved IV infusion knowledge (p < 0.05) and critical thinking, particularly in decision-making (p < 0.05), though attitudinal differences were non-significant (p > 0.1). Furthermore, based on the students’ self-assessments, it is evident that this method significantly enhanced students’ learning experiences, including engagement, participation, teamwork, and independent learning skills. Conclusion Consequently, it is recommended that nursing education actively pursue and implement the CRP-based VR-FL approach to cultivate high-quality nursing professionals.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03709-2Role playingVirtual realityFlipped classroomCritical thinkingInfusionsIntravenous
spellingShingle Yongqiao Li
Junjie Gavin Wu
Danyang Zhang
Yuting Chen
The efficacy of virtual reality flipped learning with collaborative role-playing in nursing education
BMC Nursing
Role playing
Virtual reality
Flipped classroom
Critical thinking
Infusions
Intravenous
title The efficacy of virtual reality flipped learning with collaborative role-playing in nursing education
title_full The efficacy of virtual reality flipped learning with collaborative role-playing in nursing education
title_fullStr The efficacy of virtual reality flipped learning with collaborative role-playing in nursing education
title_full_unstemmed The efficacy of virtual reality flipped learning with collaborative role-playing in nursing education
title_short The efficacy of virtual reality flipped learning with collaborative role-playing in nursing education
title_sort efficacy of virtual reality flipped learning with collaborative role playing in nursing education
topic Role playing
Virtual reality
Flipped classroom
Critical thinking
Infusions
Intravenous
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s12912-025-03709-2
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