Integrative virtual nursing simulation in teaching cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A blended learning approach

Background

Online learning resources facilitated educational development during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study focuses on the integration of online virtual simulation with interactive exercises and offline low-fidelity simulation for the first time to explore the impact on CPR skills.

Methods

First year nursing students from a medical college participated as volunteers in this study. They were divided randomly into two groups with both having a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) lesson with the same timings and objectives. The experimental group (n = 36) adopted a blended learning method, with virtual simulation and low-fidelity simulation as resources; the control group (n = 36) used the same method without virtual simulation. The same lecturers taught both classes. Students’ self-directed learning (SDL) and critical thinking skills were assessed before and after the intervention and their CPR skills were examined afterward.

Results

The experimental group exhibited significantly greater improvement in their SDL abilities and CPR skills. By contrast, we found no statistical differences in their critical thinking abilities.

Conclusions

During CPR training, blended learning method was used to integrate virtual nursing simulation in teaching, which effectively improved students' SDL and CPR skills.