Virtual Reality Simulation in a Health Assessment Laboratory Course: A Mixed-methods Explanatory Study Examining Student Satisfaction and Self-confidence.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to examine the relationship between virtual reality simulation (VRS) and student satisfaction and self-confidence in a health assessment laboratory course. METHODS: Second-year students (n = 37) completed a postoperative respiratory distress scenario using Elsevier's Simulation Learning System with Virtual Reality. All participants completed the Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale; a subset participated in 1:1 semistructured interviews. RESULTS: Satisfaction and self-confidence scores were strongly correlated. VRS experiences of fidelity, communication confidence and competence, learning with peers, integrated learning and critical thinking, and a safe space to learn were related to students' satisfaction and self-confidence. CONCLUSIONS: VRS experiences are correlated with high student satisfaction and self-confidence.

The Influence of Social Media on Alcohol Consumption of Mothers of Children and Adolescents: A Scoping Review of the Literature.

Alcohol misuse is a common problem in many countries, where alcohol is often portrayed as a fun and interactive coping strategy for mothers to manage the demands of motherhood. Social media platforms have established themselves as a popular forum for mothers to share information and create an environment in which mothers may be exposed to and influenced by alcohol-related content. Given the increased social acceptance and normalization of drinking among mothers, especially during the recent pandemic, a critical analysis of social media influences on alcohol behaviours and consumption is warranted. A scoping review mapped the evidence on social media influences and alcohol consumption among mothers of children and teenagers younger than eighteen years old. Several databases were consulted, and the evidence was collated into two themes and seven subthemes. Factors related to alcohol consumption in motherhood include (1) community and social support, (2) coping and mental health, (3) motherhood expectations and identity, (4) alcohol consumption, (5) marketing strategies, (6) everyday issues, and (7) social media influence. Numerous social, economic, and health problems are associated with alcohol misuse. The current literature suggests that social media is a powerful tool to disseminate messages about alcohol and normalize mothers' drinking behaviours.

The effect of animal-assisted intervention on undergraduate students' perception of momentary stress.

Background: Student mental wellness is a priority in higher education. Animal Assisted Interventions (AAIs') are gaining momentum in universities across North America (Dell et al., 2015). Aims: This study explored the relationships between AAIs', demographic variables, and perceived momentary stress among university students. Methods: Using a descriptive correlational design, students completed a Perceived Momentary Stress questionnaire that included the Stress Numerical Rating Scale-11 (Stress NRS-11) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to measure perceived stress before and after AAIs'. Data were analyzed using R (4.1.2) (R Core Team, Vienna, Austria) to identify relationships between students' perceptions of momentary stress, AAIs' and sociodemographic and demographic variables. Results: First-year students, female students, and students identifying as sexual minorities were found to benefit the most from AAIs'. Conclusion: Results from this study reflect relationships between exposure to animal-assisted interventions and student demographic variables.

Virtual Health Assessment Laboratory Course Delivery and Nursing Student Clinical Judgment: A Mixed-Methods Exploratory Study.

BACKGROUND: It is essential to explore virtual learning experiences to identify their impact on nursing students' learning. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the virtual delivery of a health assessment laboratory course and nursing students' clinical judgment. METHODS: Using a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design, the investigators appraised the final laboratory examinations of both in-person and virtual delivery cohorts using the Lasater Clinical Judgment Rubric (LCJR) and then interviewed faculty members. RESULTS: The LCJR total mean scores (mean = 10.64) and mean scores for Effective Noticing (mean = 3.48) were higher for the virtual delivery students. The faculty reported that virtual delivery advances students' critical appraisal skills related to subjective assessment but advocated for in-person delivery to develop physical examination techniques. CONCLUSION: Although the mean clinical judgment scores were higher for the students whose course delivery was virtual, in-person experiences are necessary to develop psychomotor techniques to prepare students for clinical practice.