Second Life simulation as a strategy to enhance decision‐making in diabetes care: a case study

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The case study evaluated the Second Life perceived usability and the decision-making of insulin administration via situational awareness at two different simulation freezes during Second Life simulation. BACKGROUND: Due to safety issues stemming from nursing knowledge deficits of insulin administration, the use of simulation via practice in a virtual immersive environment, Second Life was evaluated in a case study of practicing nurses. DESIGN: This case study used a single convenience group, post-test design. METHODS: Perceived usability was evaluated using the System Usability Scale. Evaluation of decision-making was evaluated via Situational Awareness Score at two simulation freezes in the Second Life simulation with practicing nurses (n = 12). RESULTS: Nurses with more years of practice reported difficulty in using Second Life. As age increased, the total Situational Awareness Score decreased. Day shift nurses were more likely to obtain a High Situational Awareness Score. CONCLUSIONS: Although usability was nearly obtained, virtual immersive environments for nurses has promise to provide practice in aiding clinical decision-making. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Finding a new platform to allow all nurses to practice difficult clinical decisions is key. A virtual immersive environment, like Second Life, can provide simulation for nurses to practice making such difficult decisions.