OBJECTIVES: To analyze the concept of virtual clinical simulation in nursing education. METHODS: The Walker and Avant concept analysis model guided the study process and the data collection followed the integrative literature review method. Databases searched were: CINAHL, PubMed, Education Resources Information Center, and Scopus. Search terms and Boolean operators were: e-simulation OR virtual clinical simulation OR computer-simulation OR computer simulation OR virtual gaming OR virtual reality AND nursing education OR nursing. The sample comprised 45 studies. RESULTS: Virtual clinical simulation in nursing education was defined as the innovative teaching and learning technological strategy that provides immersive self-regulated training of nursing practice, reproducing real-life experiences and feedback in a virtual environment that is safe, interactive, dynamic and enjoyable. CONCLUSIONS: Clarification of this concept contributes to the development of a standardized terminology to include in the nursing nomenclature system and its dissemination for the construction of nursing science.
OBJECTIVES: To analyze the concept of virtual clinical simulation in nursing education. METHODS: The Walker and Avant concept analysis model guided the study process and the data collection followed the integrative literature review method. Databases searched were: CINAHL, PubMed, Education Resources Information Center, and Scopus. Search terms and Boolean operators were: e-simulation OR virtual clinical simulation OR computer-simulation OR computer simulation OR virtual gaming OR virtual reality AND nursing education OR nursing. The sample comprised 45 studies. RESULTS: Virtual clinical simulation in nursing education was defined as the innovative teaching and learning technological strategy that provides immersive self-regulated training of nursing practice, reproducing real-life experiences and feedback in a virtual environment that is safe, interactive, dynamic and enjoyable. CONCLUSIONS: Clarification of this concept contributes to the development of a standardized terminology to include in the nursing nomenclature system and its dissemination for the construction of nursing science.