The INACSL Standards of Best Practice: Simulation SM guide the design and implementation of healthcare simulations. Used by nursing educators and simulationists worldwide, these standards are an excellent blueprint for providing a robust and evidence-based simulation experience. At UbiSim, we use these guidelines throughout the scenario design process as we create immersive VR simulations for nursing students. We conduct a needs assessment prior to designing each scenario to ensure the topic is relevant and critical to nursing education. Our nurse educators then construct measurable objectives and design the scenario for the level of the targeted learner. Each scenario has a debriefing component based on the PEARLS framework, with questions designed to foster student reflection. Prior to releasing a UbiSim scenario to our partner institutions, we conduct a detailed pilot with nursing content experts to ensure the simulation aligns with the learning objectives and has the appropriate levels of fidelity.

The principles underlying the INACSL Standards are incorporated into the UbiSim Editor, the revolutionary web-based simulation authoring tool used to design immersive VR scenarios within the UbiSim platform. The Editor guides educators and simulationists as they customize and design VR scenarios in accordance with the standards of best practice. Designing simulations with the Editor is an intuitive process, empowering simulation designers of all skill levels to best utilize existing knowledge and expertise when designing immersive VR simulations. This level of scenario customization allows faculty to best support student learning by aligning the simulations to not only the INACSL Standards, but also the curriculum-specific learning objectives and program outcomes.

Our use of the INACSL Standards goes well beyond the design process. We have detailed tutorials that orient students to the immersive VR environment so they can learn how to operate the virtual equipment prior to participating in the clinical scenario. We provide our partner institutions with resources for facilitating immersive VR simulations, including best practices in pre-briefing, establishing psychological safety, and engaging learners. Our nurse mentors work closely with our partner institutions, guiding them on integrating immersive VR simulation into their curriculum and implementing scenarios in accordance with the standards of best practice. By collaborating closely with our educational partners, we can advance our shared mission of providing best-in-class nursing education and supporting patient safety.