Background. Two methods that provide high fidelity experiences outside of clinical settings are laboratory simulation and virtual simulation. Virtual gaming simulations are emerging and currently, there are no guidelines regarding the process. Objectives. The purpose of this study was to conduct interviews with nursing educators who use virtual gaming simulation in education to better understand the extent of use, the process, the challenges and benefits they experience, and their recommendations. Design. A qualitative, descriptive study, using purposive maximum variation sampling and interviews was conducted. Setting/Participant. Participants were selected from nursing programs in different Canadian and American educational institutions who had teaching experience using virtual gaming simulations with nursing students in higher education. Methods. In-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide with opened-ended questions. The interviews were recorded and transcribed. Data analysis was completed using a thematic approach. Results. The final sample consisted of 17 participants, 11(65%) were from Canada and the remaining 6(35%) were from the United States. The data yielded three themes: Benefits of gaming for the student; Preparing students and educators for success and, The virtual gaming simulation process. Participants described the challenges of using virtual gaming simulation in education and made recommendations for best practice and future research. Conclusion. The results of this study can be used as guideposts for educators who embark on this new learning experience and researchers who wish to expand the body of knowledge in this emerging field.

中文翻译：

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虚拟游戏模拟：护士教育者访谈研究

背景。在临床环境之外提供高保真体验的两种方法是实验室模拟和虚拟模拟。虚拟游戏模拟正在兴起，目前没有关于该过程的指导方针。目标。本研究的目的是与在教育中使用虚拟游戏模拟的护理教育工作者进行访谈，以更好地了解使用范围、过程、他们遇到的挑战和好处以及他们的建议。设计。使用有目的的最大变异抽样和访谈进行了定性的描述性研究。设置/参与者。参与者是从加拿大和美国不同教育机构的护理项目中挑选出来的，他们具有与高等教育护理学生使用虚拟游戏模拟的教学经验。方法。使用带有开放式问题的半结构化访谈指南进行深入访谈。采访被记录和转录。使用专题方法完成数据分析。结果。最终样本由 17 名参与者组成，其中 11 名（65%）来自加拿大，其余 6 名（35%）来自美国。数据产生了三个主题： 游戏对学生的好处；为学生和教育工作者的成功做好准备，以及虚拟游戏模拟过程。参与者描述了在教育中使用虚拟游戏模拟的挑战，并为最佳实践和未来研究提出了建议。结论。这项研究的结果可以作为开始这种新学习体验的教育工作者和希望扩展这一新兴领域知识体系的研究人员的指南。