Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2025
Abstract
Virtual Reality (VR) encompasses a range of computer-based technologies that simulate complex scenarios, offering immersive, experiential learning in a controlled virtual environment. In nurs- ing education, VR has the potential to enhance both technical and non-technical competencies. However, the existing literature on VR in nursing education is fragmented, making it challenging to fully grasp its scope, applications, and emerging trends. This scoping review protocol outlines a systematic approach to mapping the existing literature on the use of VR in undergraduate and postgraduate nursing education. Following Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and the PRISMA- ScR 2020 framework, the review will include studies published in English, Spanish, or Italian, as well as those with an accessible HTML version to enable accurate automated translation and eli- gibility assessment. A comprehensive search will be conducted across PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, and EMBASE, with no time restrictions. Two independent reviewers will assess study eligibility and extract data using a standardized form. Additionally, data mining techniques, including La- tent Dirichlet Allocation enhanced by Bayesian optimization, will be employed to identify trends and emerging topics in the field, providing valuable insights for educators, researchers, and pol- icymakers. • This scoping review protocol outlines the methodology for systematically mapping the exist- ing literature on VR in nursing education, providing a comprehensive overview of its appli- cations at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. • Advanced data mining techniques will be applied to uncover emerging trends and key topics, enhancing the understanding of VR’s evolving role in nursing education. • Findings will offer methodological and practical insights, supporting educators, researchers, and policymakers in optimizing and expanding VR-based learning strategies in nursing.
Keywords
virtual reality, nursing education, nursing, learning
Language
English
Publication Title
MethodsX
Rights
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an Open Access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Silvia Ronchi, Rosario Caruso, Diletta Fabrizi, Michela Luciani, Celeste M. Alfes, Noriyo Colley, Arianna Magon, Gianluca Conte, Anna Valli, Stefano Terzoni, Silvia Cilluffo, Maura Lusignani, Davide Ausili, Virtual reality in undergraduate and postgraduate nursing education: a scoping review protocol integrating data mining for topic discovery, MethodsX, Volume 14, 2025, 103391, ISSN 2215-0161, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2025.103391.
Included in
Digital Humanities Commons, Nursing Commons, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Commons
Manuscript Version
Final Publisher Version