Design and evaluation of a 3D serious game for communication learning in nursing education

Abstract Background Communication is essential for nursing practice; such competence is not intuitive and must be taught. Serious games in 3D virtual reality can support the nursing teaching-learning process; students connected to the virtual world can apply what they have learned in their professional practice. Aim To describe the design and heuristic evaluation of a serious game in 3D immersive VR for the development of communication competence. Method A methodological study was conducted to develop and evaluate the serious game in a 3D immersive virtual environment using Oculus Rift®, called Comunica-Enf. The game consists of the user asking for authorization to the patient's avatar to perform a nursing procedure using communication abilities. Professors from six nursing courses and 30 students from two undergraduate nursing courses were recruited to evaluate the usability and appearance of the Comunica-Enf serious game. After using the game, the participants completed the Heuristic Evaluation of Digital Educational Games. A maximum of 25% of high or urgent priority problems in the whole game or heuristics is necessary to validate the game. Result The participants considered Comunica-Enf suitable for nursing education because none of the heuristics reached more than 25% of high or urgent priority problems. The participants made suggestions that were analyzed and incorporated into the Comunica-Enf when possible. Conclusion Comunica-Enf is an educational technology that uses Oculus Rift® and a 3D virtual reality perspective as an innovative resource. It had its appearance and usability validated for nursing students, providing a safe and pleasant environment for communication competence.