Can Virtual Simulation Replace Clinical Practical Training for Psychiatric Nursing?

Abstract

In Korea, virtual simulation is currently replacing clinical practical training for psychiatric nursing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to explore the virtual simulation experiences of nursing students through focus-group interviews. Three categories were derived: ‘glad that the patients were not real people’, ‘bridge between the text world and the real world’, and ‘supplementations needed for virtual simulation to replace clinical practice’. Although virtual simulation helped acquire knowledge and skills related to psychiatric nursing practice in a safe environment, there were limitations to replacing clinical practice. To overcome this, a diverse approach between students and professors is required.

Acknowledgments

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.

Conflict of interest

There is no conflict of interest

Disclosure statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profic sectors.