Exploring VR Simulation in Healthcare and Social Work Education: Students’ Experiences with VR Simulation as Preparation for Professional Practice

In this study we aim to explore healthcare and social work students’ experiences with VR simulation as a means of preparing for professional practice, and how these experiences contribute to their readiness for future professional roles. We collected data through focus group interviews with 28 students from bachelor’s programs in nursing, social education, social work, and occupational therapy, which we subsequently transcribed and analyzed using thematic analysis. Our findings highlight VR simulation’s potential as a valuable tool for professional practice training. VR simulation can be especially helpful for students who benefit less from ordinary clinical placements due to their need for more time and experience to become more confident in their professional role. By incorporating relevant aspects of the workplace and providing opportunities for repeated training, VR simulation can contribute to preparing students for the demands of professional practice.