Video-Based Simulation Among Saudi Undergraduate Nursing Students During COVID-19: A Qualitative Study

BackgroundBecause of university closures due to COVID-19 confinement, video-based simulation, a training technique based on high-fidelity simulations, was introduced in reaction to the need to adapt high-fidelity clinical simulation experiences to digital platforms.PurposeThis study aims to evaluate the perceptions of nursing students in Saudi Arabia regarding the shift from face-to-face simulation experiences to video-based simulation during the COVID-19 pandemic.MethodsThis study employed a phenomenological exploratory qualitative research design among 32 nursing students from various academic levels.ResultsThe thematic analysis gave rise to five themes namely, "Enhanced Learning and satisfaction", "Improved communication skills", "Lack of hands-on experience", "More comfortable experience", and "Technical Barriers".ConclusionThe students in this study have indicated that they were satisfied with video-based simulation, where they reported enhanced learning, better communication skills, and more perceived comfort, while concerns regarding technical issues and nursing skills were raised.