Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality Supported by Wearable Technology on Clinical Anxiety, Stress, and Adaptation in Nursing Students: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study will examine the effects of brief immersive virtual reality (IVR) exposure (10-15 minutes) using commercially available applications (Beat Saber, TRIPP) on nursing students' clinical anxiety, stress, and adaptation, compared with usual clinical preparation in a control group. It will be assumed that anxiety experienced during clinical practice may negatively affect students' success.

The research will be designed as a prospective, randomized controlled trial. The study will be conducted with 195 students enrolled in the Department of Surgical Nursing at the Faculty of Nursing of an academic institution. Students will be divided into two groups using a simple randomization method. Those in the intervention group will practice with IVR goggles in the clinical setting, engaging in game-based activities involving breathing exercises and aerobics. Data will be collected using the Demographics Questionnaire, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Clinical Success Evaluation Form, and the Stress, Adaptation, and Satisfaction Scale, and these measures will be correlated with clinical success.

It is anticipated that the IVR application will help reduce clinical anxiety and stress by fostering alternative perceptions of the environment. Students are expected to demonstrate high levels of engagement and immersion in the virtual environment. Although within-group changes in state anxiety may not be statistically significant, between-group comparisons are expected to show lower post-intervention anxiety scores in the IVR group compared with the control group (p≈0.02).

In conclusion, brief IVR exposure is expected to be associated with reduced self-reported stress and improved adaptation compared with usual clinical preparation, while its effects on standardized anxiety scores and objective clinical success may remain limited. Additionally, the type of VR experience is expected to influence the outcomes.