Development of non-technical skills through virtual patients for undergraduate nursing students: An exploratory study

Abstract

Introduction: Non-technical skills (NTS) are fundamental requirements for health professional graduates for safe and competent practice. Technology enhanced simulation, including virtual patients (VPs), is suggested to be effective in developing NTS. Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore what participants learnt about NTS following interactions with the VPs in the case study. Design: Case study methodology was used to explore learning by undergraduate nursing students related to NTS following interactions with VPs. First- (n = 40) and third-year (n = 31) undergraduate nursing students from two universities in Victoria, Australia agreed to participate in focus groups and interviews..