VR preoperative preparation video to improve empathy in nursing students

The Effect of Preoperative Patient Preparation Video Shown Through Virtual Reality Goggles on Empathy Levels in Nursing Students

Not applicable Interventional Acibadem University · NCT07573384

This project will try showing second-year nursing students a preoperative preparation video through VR goggles to see if it increases their empathy about the perioperative experience.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorAcibadem University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Istanbul, Other)
Trial IDNCT07573384 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

In a randomized educational intervention at Acibadem University in Istanbul, second-year undergraduate nursing students enrolled in the Surgical Nursing course will be assigned to view a preoperative patient-preparation video via virtual reality goggles or to receive the usual course instruction. Empathy levels will be measured at the start and end of the semester, and the change in empathy scores will be compared between the VR and control groups. Students with prior or current operating room work experience are excluded. The study tests whether an immersive VR preoperative experience produces larger gains in empathy and patient-safety perspectives than standard teaching.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal participants are second-year undergraduate nursing students who are taking the Surgical Nursing course for the first time at Acibadem University and who have not worked in an operating room.

Not a fit: Patients are unlikely to receive direct benefit during the study; any benefit would be indirect and depend on whether participating students change their future clinical practice.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could help future nurses better understand patients' perioperative experiences and promote more patient-centered, safer perioperative care.

How similar studies have performed: Previous VR-based simulation studies have shown improvements in nursing students' empathy and perspective-taking, though evidence specifically for VR preoperative preparation is limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Being enrolled in and attending the Surgical Nursing course at the institution where the research is being conducted, and taking the course for the first time

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having worked or currently working in an operating room.

Where this trial is running

Istanbul, Other

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Empathy Skills
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.