Virtual Reality Application in Basic Life Support Practices

The Effect of Scenario-Based Gamified Virtual Reality Application on Nurses' Knowledge Level in Basic Life Support Practices: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction: This study investigates the effect of virtual reality (VR)-based training methods on the acquisition of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills and user attitudes within the framework of Kolb's Experiential Learning Model.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted between December 11, 2024, and August 11, 2025, with 60 nurses (30 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group) working in emergency and intensive care units. The experimental group practiced an interactive CPR scenario using VR headsets, while the control group received CPR training through traditional methods. Data were collected using a descriptive information form, a knowledge test, and the Virtual Reality Attitude Scale. The knowledge test, prepared in accordance with the American Heart Association (AHA) standards, was administered as a pre-test, post-test, and follow-up test two weeks later. Additionally, the VR Satisfaction Scale was applied to the experimental group.

Study Overview

• Status: Completed
• Conditions: Virtual Reality; Randomized Controlled Trial; Nursing Education Research; Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: VR Training); Other: Traditional Training

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 60
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Turkey (Türkiye)
  • Izmir, Turkey (Türkiye)
    • Tinaztepe Universty

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

Ability to use virtual reality (VR) glasses Being an emergency room nurse or an intensive care nurse

Exclusion Criteria:

Having difficulty in communication

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Other
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Intervention Group (VR Training): Participants were first introduced to the VR simulator and briefed on the current scenario. Through the VR headset, nurses experienced the CPR scenario in real time in an interactive environment. Each nurse had sufficient time to practice the skill steps in the given scenario. Participants used the scenario-based VR CPR training game until they felt ready (approximately 30 minutes)	Other: VR Training); Participants were first introduced to the VR simulator and briefed on the current scenario. Through the VR headset, nurses experienced the CPR scenario in real time in an interactive environment. Each nurse had sufficient time to practice the skill steps in the given scenario. Participants used the scenario-based VR CPR training game until they felt ready (approximately 30 minutes)
Active Comparator: Control Group (Traditional Training); Nurses in the control group received traditional training in a hospital training room using an adult plastic CPR manikin (approximately 30 minutes).	Other: Traditional Training; Nurses in the control group received traditional training in a hospital training room using an adult plastic CPR manikin

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Primary Outcome Measure Change in knowledge scores on Basic Life Support - Description: Knowledge level will be assessed using a BLS knowledge test prepared in accordance with American Heart Association standards. Sub-dimensions include Airwa	The 18-question form assesses five different competency areas: Basic Life Support, Airway and Breathing, Chest Compressions, Automatic External Defibrillator Use, and Communication with Continuity of CPR. For each question, nurses selected either "True" or "False," with a correct answer receiving 1 point and an incorrect answer receiving 0 points. The highest score is 18, and the lowest is 0.A higher score indicates a higher level of knowledge.	Pre-test (baseline), Post-test (immediately after intervention), and Two-week follow-up.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Secondary Outcomes Virtual Reality Attitude Scale - Measurement of participants' attitudes toward VR-based training. - Correlation between VR attitude scores and knowledge test scores (e.g., post-test and pre-post difference scores).	1. Virtual Reality Attitude Scale; Measurement of participants' attitudes toward VR-based training.; Correlation between Virtual Reality Attitude Scale attitude scores and knowledge test scores (e.g., post-test and pre-post difference scores). Possible scores range from 9 to 45, and there are no reverse items. A higher score indicates a stronger attitude toward virtual reality.	At baseline (pre-intervention), immediately post-intervention, and at 2 weeks follow-up

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Ege University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): December 11, 2024
• Primary Completion (Actual): May 12, 2025
• Study Completion (Actual): August 11, 2025

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: August 26, 2025
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: September 3, 2025
• First Posted (Estimated): September 11, 2025

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Estimated): September 11, 2025
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: September 3, 2025
• Last Verified: August 1, 2025

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Other Study ID Numbers: 1919

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No