Clinical Research Directory

Effects of Virtual Reality Hand Hygiene Simulation on Nurses' Hand Hygiene

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) are an important patient safety concern, and hand hygiene is one of the most effective measures for preventing their transmission. However, hand hygiene compliance among healthcare professionals, including nurses, remains suboptimal. Innovative educational approaches may support the development of hand hygiene knowledge, behaviour, and compliance. Virtual reality (VR) simulation provides an immersive and interactive learning environment that allows learners to practice clinical situations and reinforce knowledge and skills. In nursing education, VR simulation may facilitate the transfer of theoretical knowledge into practice and provide opportunities for repeated learning experiences. This randomized controlled study evaluated the effectiveness of a VR-based hand hygiene simulation for nurses. Participants in both the experimental and control groups received standard hand hygiene training, while participants in the experimental group additionally received VR-based hand hygiene simulation. The study evaluated the effects of the intervention on nurses' hand hygiene knowledge, handwashing behaviour, and hand hygiene compliance.