A Beta Test of virtual simulation using digitally simulated family and gamification‐through a family nursing seminar for home visiting nurses

We organized a family nursing seminar employing virtual simulation for home visiting nurses. The seminar utilized gamification and a digitally simulated family to enhance family nursing competence. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a seminar by conducting a β test of a virtual simulation. This study employed a descriptive design. Study period was from November of 2022 to January of 2023. Study participants were seven home visiting nurses at four Home-Visit Nursing Agencies in Japan. In the virtual simulation, participants communicated with the digitally simulated family created with Unreal Engine 5.0.0. Before and after the seminar, participants were asked to complete the Family Nursing Competency Scale and data were gathered through an open-ended questionnaire. The total scores on the Family Nursing Practice Competence Scale all increased after the seminar. In feedback, the instructor commented that the simulation scenarios and level of difficulty were appropriate but that the time schedule needed to be revised. Participants also commented on the reality and tension in the digitally simulated family and the lack of discussion. The integration of gamification and the digitally simulated family was positively accepted and increased the sense of reality and tension of the participants. However, there were problems with the recognition of achievement, time management of the debriefing sessions. Further modifications to this seminar design are needed.