ENHANCING PEDIATRIC EMERGENT ASTHMA EDUCATION IN THE EMERGENCY ROOM USING IMMERSIVE VIRTUAL REALITY SIMULATION

Abstract

This Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project investigates the effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Reality Simulation (IVRS) in enhancing emergency department (ED) nurses’ knowledge, skills, and preparedness for managing pediatric asthma emergencies at Mather Hospital. IVRS was introduced as a training intervention to address gaps in readiness for high-risk, low-frequency scenarios. Pre- and post-training surveys, paired t-tests, and thematic analysis were used to assess outcomes. Results revealed significant improvements in nurses’ understanding of asthma protocols, technical skills, and confidence in emergency management. Participants highlighted the realism and engagement of IVRS compared to traditional manikin-based training, although minor technical issues, such as navigation and visual clarity, were noted.The findings support IVRS as a scalable and cost-effective nursing education tool, offering standardized experiential learning that bridges theory and practice. Recommendations include routine integration of IVRS into training, platform refinements, and follow-up training to assess long-term retention and real-world application. This project demonstrates IVRS’s potential to transform emergency preparedness education, equipping nurses to deliver high-quality, safe pediatric emergency care.