Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Training in Disaster Medicine Courses for Students in Nursing: A Scoping Review of Adoptable Tools.
Behavioral sciences (Basel, Switzerland) · 2023-07-24 · Scoping review
Abstract
Nurses and paramedics play a pivotal role when mass casualty incidents (MCI) occur, yet they often feel unprepared for such events. Implementation strategies for training activities, including virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) simulations, offer realistic and immersive learning experiences, enhancing skills and competencies for nursing students. The aim of this work was to investigate the adopted tools in studies on VR and AR simulations for training nursing and paramedic students in managing MCI. A scoping review was performed following the PRISMA-ScR statement, and the search strategy was conducted through five electronic databases from December 2022 to March 2023. Of 162 records identified, 27 full texts were screened and, six studies were included in this review. These studies involved students who were assigned to different training methods, including immersive VR simulation, written instruction, and traditional lecture. VR and AR and immersive simulation generally show promising evidence in enhancing practical skills and knowledge in MCI management. VR and AR showed to be promising in disaster education and preparedness training, offering different levels of immersiveness and engagement, encouraging active and experiential learning. Further research is needed to determine their long-term effectiveness. The choice of training method should consider program goals, target population, and available resources.
Abstract © the authors or publisher, via PubMed. Reuse and removal
Tags
Related articles
- Mapping the evidence on implementation of clinical decision support systems in nurses' reverse triage decisions during disaster surges: A scoping review with a proposed conceptual framework. (Int Emerg Nurs, 2026)
- Disaster management knowledge, education and training among Saudi paramedics a scoping review. (BMC Public Health, 2025)
- Non-technical skills needed by medical disaster responders- a scoping review. (Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med, 2024)
- A comparison of SIEVE, SORT, and START triage training effectiveness between immersive interactive 3D learning materials using virtual reality (VR-SSST) and traditional methods in mass casualty incidents. (Int J Emerg Med, 2025)
- Mass Casualty Incident Training in Immersive Virtual Reality: Quasi-Experimental Evaluation of Multimethod Performance Indicators. (J Med Internet Res, 2025)
- The South Dakota Model: Health Care Professions Student Disaster Preparedness and Deployment Training. (Disaster Med Public Health Prep, 2017)