An Interactive Software to Learn Pathophysiology with 3D Virtual Models

Educators have accessibility to a repository of resources to guide pedagogical instruction within graduate nursing curriculum. Multiple modalities are utilized within graduate education including face to face, online, and alternative platforms, such as web page, video, or mobile applications. Supplemental resources include e-learning applications, mobile learning, and game-based learning using internet accessible devices, smart displays, and even virtual reality headsets. The use of interactive and innovative methods has shown positive results in student engagement and cognitive learning. However, the implementation of 3D visualization strategies has been limited within healthcare education, specifically graduate advanced practice nursing. It is vital in graduate nursing education to provide students with advanced knowledge of disease processes and critical reasoning skills. While some programs include the ability to display text and image, as well as present animated contents, they lack sufficient interactive features to enhance learning. Therefore, an efficient and effective modality of information delivery is required to achieve this goal. In this paper, we describe the development of an interactive 3D visualization software tool that provides an innovative approach for education within graduate nursing. The visualization software provides a framework to enhance the teaching and learning process in graduate nursing pathophysiology utilizing 3D virtual models.