EFFECT OF VIRTUAL SIMULATION ON CLINICAL REASONING AMONG UNDERGRADUATE NURSING STUDENTS: AN EVIDENCE-BASED PROJECT

Background: Clinical reasoning is fundamental to safe nursing practice, yet traditional clinical training offers limited patient exposure and variable learning experiences. Virtual simulation may offer a safe and accessible way to practice reasoning before real-patient care.

Purpose: to evaluate the effect of virtual simulation on clinical reasoning among undergraduate nursing students at a private nursing college in Islamabad.

Methods: A one-group pretest/posttest design was used with third-year, semester V BS Nursing students. Students completed scenario-based virtual simulations using the Body Interact application. Clinical reasoning was measured with 15-item scenario-based multiple-choice tests before and after the intervention. Students also rated the simulation design using the National League for Nursing Simulation Design Scale.

Results: The mean score rose from 7.95 to 9.93 out of 15 (median 8–11). Eighty-five percent of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the simulation design was effective.

Conclusion: Virtual simulation with proper guidance and student orientation is a pro​mising strategy for strengthening clinical reasoning skills. The small, uncontrolled sample limits generalizability, and larger controlled studies are recommended in the future.