Implementation and Evaluation of a Virtual Reality-Based Cognitive Assessment and Rehabilitation Simulation Course in Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Pre-Post Study

Background: Virtual reality has gradually been applied to nursing education, with many advantages.Methods: A quasi-experimental, pretest-posttest study was conducted to verify the teaching effective-ness of a virtual reality-based cognitive assessment and rehabilitation simulation course. The Chinese version of the Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory was used to measure the critical thinking abilities of participants. The teaching evaluation included the evaluation of the virtual system, course, teaching, and students themselves.Results: The difference between the pre-and post-tests was statistically significant for the dimensions of truth seeking, open mindedness, systematicity, self-confidence, inquisitiveness, maturity, and the total score of critical thinking ability ( p < .05). Conclusion: The course can significantly improve the critical thinking ability of nursing undergraduates and provide an effective teaching method.