Effectiveness of Immersive Virtual Reality in Nursing Education: Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Digital education using immersive virtual reality (VR) technology is available in nursing. Evidence of its effectiveness is essential. PURPOSE: This review analyzed the effectiveness of and barriers to using immersive VR in nursing education. METHODS: A structured search was performed in PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health Database. The Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument was used to assess the quality of studies. RESULTS: The final review was composed of 9 studies of moderate to high quality published between 2018 and 2020. The review indicated that immersive VR increased learning, cognitive, and psychomotor performance. Most participants of the studies preferred using immersive VR in education and with a variety of experiential scenarios. Barriers were associated with technological hardware and software (eg, simulation sickness, lack of visual comfort). CONCLUSION: The review supports the viability of immersive VR technology in nursing education.

Care During Pregnancy, Childbirth, Postpartum, and Human Milk Feeding for Individuals Who Identify as LGBTQ.

The growing number of families that include members of sexual and/or gender minority (SGM) groups requires perinatal nurses to know how to provide respectful and affirming care to all people, including this population. Approximately 19% of adults who are members of SGM groups are raising 3 million children, with many hoping to become pregnant, foster, use surrogacy, or adopt in the future. Based on current literature, many nurses are not prepared to meet the clinical needs of patients who are members of SGM groups in the maternity setting. Likewise, patients and families of SGM groups often perceive that nurses are uncomfortable with providing care and are not always satisfied with their care. To meet these needs, it is important that nurses use strategies focused on promoting respectful, affirming care, reducing negative experiences, and eliminating marginalizing language and practices. Nurses must incorporate a holistic care focus for patients who are members of SGM minority groups that includes standardized strategic education; development of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, or Plus (LGBTQ+) affirming and inclusive policies, practices, and language; flexibility, personal reflection of self-bias; and creating an environment of individualized compassionate care.