VR training beats traditional methods for teaching nursing students physical exams

NCT ID NCT06536361

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether virtual reality (VR) simulation helps nursing students learn respiratory physical exams better than traditional small-group practice. 76 second-year students were randomly assigned to either VR training using an Oculus headset or hands-on practice in a lab. Both groups improved, but the VR group showed significantly greater gains in knowledge and skill, though they took longer to complete the exam. Students also rated the VR tool as easy to use and effective.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Virtual reality simulation using Oculus Meta Quest 3 headset

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could become a standard teaching tool for nursing education, improving how students learn physical exam skills.

What could go wrong

This is a small, single-center study with 76 students, so results may not apply broadly. The VR group took longer to perform exams, which could be a drawback in real-world training.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Coma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Gazi University Nursing Faculty

    Ankara, Ankara, 06500, Turkey (Türkiye)