Nursing implementation of virtual reality for treating children with Autism Spectrum Disorder : A descriptive literature review
Ibrahim, Walaa Abdelhamid Mustafa (2026)
2026
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202601281944
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202601281944
Tiivistelmä
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects a significant number of children globally, prompting a growing need for effective support tools. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies offer promising interventions, creating safe, controlled, and customizable environments beneficial for improving social skills, communication, and cognitive abilities in children with ASD. This thesis aimed to enhance the understanding of how nurses could effectively integrate VR technologies into their practice to improve treatment outcomes for children with ASD. The purpose was to identify the challenges nurses faced and the factors that facilitated successful implementation, with the goal of providing clear, practical guidelines for healthcare professionals working with this population.
A descriptive literature review was conducted using inductive content analysis. Six studies published between 2014 and 2024 were systematically selected from databases such as Finna, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and ProQuest, based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.
The findings highlight that VR/AR offers significant advantages, including engaging, gamified experiences that reduce stress and are adaptable to individual needs, allowing for repeated practice and data collection. However, substantial challenges exist. These include technical barriers such as high device costs, internet connectivity, and issues with usability and device handling. Nurses also face difficulties managing children’s compliance, the inability to co-present in virtual environments, and a lack of specific protocols, training, and dedicated time. Concerns about cybersickness, data privacy, and the need for culturally sensitive content were also identified.
In conclusion, while VR and AR hold considerable potential to enhance nursing care for children with ASD, successful integration requires overcoming technological, practical, and organizational hurdles. This necessitates sustained organizational support, specialized training for nurses, the development of clear guidelines, and ongoing technical assistance to ensure safe, effective, and ethical use of these immersive technologies.
A descriptive literature review was conducted using inductive content analysis. Six studies published between 2014 and 2024 were systematically selected from databases such as Finna, ScienceDirect, PubMed, and ProQuest, based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria.
The findings highlight that VR/AR offers significant advantages, including engaging, gamified experiences that reduce stress and are adaptable to individual needs, allowing for repeated practice and data collection. However, substantial challenges exist. These include technical barriers such as high device costs, internet connectivity, and issues with usability and device handling. Nurses also face difficulties managing children’s compliance, the inability to co-present in virtual environments, and a lack of specific protocols, training, and dedicated time. Concerns about cybersickness, data privacy, and the need for culturally sensitive content were also identified.
In conclusion, while VR and AR hold considerable potential to enhance nursing care for children with ASD, successful integration requires overcoming technological, practical, and organizational hurdles. This necessitates sustained organizational support, specialized training for nurses, the development of clear guidelines, and ongoing technical assistance to ensure safe, effective, and ethical use of these immersive technologies.