Efficacy of Virtual Simulation Training Formats on Pediatric Advanced Life Support Competencies

African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery | Vol. 14, No. 9, September 2026 | pp. 262–270

DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000161

Original Research Article

Title: Efficacy of Virtual Simulation Training Formats on Pediatric Advanced Life Support Competencies

Names of Authors: Tewodros W. Assefa¹, Thembeka C. Khumalo²

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Nursing, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Ethiopia
²Department of Nursing Education, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract:
Maintaining precision during critical pediatric cardiac arrest scenarios requires frequent clinical reviews, yet traditional high-fidelity mannequin courses are highly resource-intensive and restricted. This quasi-experimental study evaluated the efficacy of an online virtual reality simulation package on Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) clinical competency scores and retention metrics. A sample of 140 pediatric staff nurses was allocated to either an automated virtual reality simulation intervention model (n = 70) or a standard classroom presentation model (n = 70). Theoretical knowledge tests and hands-on clinical checklists were applied at baseline, immediate post-test, and 12 weeks follow-up. Repeated measures ANOVA configurations isolated longitudinal competency drifts. At the immediate post-test, both strategies improved baseline knowledge scores. However, at 12 weeks, the virtual simulation cohort demonstrated significantly higher score retention indices (86.4 ± 4.5 vs 58.2 ± 6.1, p < 0.001) and superior chest compression rate precision parameters. Virtual simulation models offer an accessible strategy to mitigate clinical decay and maintain high safety metrics for critical pediatric events within resource-constrained medical networks.

Keywords: Pediatric Advanced Life Support; Virtual Reality; Competency Retention; Cardiac Arrest; Nursing Education; Simulation Training.

Manuscript Timeline: Received August 01, 2026; Revised September 11, 2026; Accepted September 24, 2026; Published September 30, 2026.

Citation: Assefa, W. T., & Khumalo, T. C. (2026). Efficacy of Virtual Simulation Training Formats on Pediatric Advanced Life Support Competencies. African Journal of Nursing and Midwifery, 14(9), 262–270. DOI: 10.46882/2026/AJNM/000161

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