Using Virtual Reality in Mental Health Nursing to Improve Behavioral Health Equity

Area of Science:

• Nursing Education
• Mental Health Care
• Virtual Reality Technology

Background:

• Nursing students frequently experience anxiety and bias in mental health clinical rotations.
• A significant global prevalence of mental disorders necessitates confident nurse interaction for equitable care.
• Undergraduate nursing education is crucial for shaping attitudes toward mental health patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To expose nursing students to mental illness symptoms via virtual reality (VR) simulation before clinical rotations.
• To assess VR simulation's impact on undergraduate nursing students' attitudes and stigma toward mental health patients.

Main Methods:

• A mixed-method comparative analysis was employed.
• Data collection focused on undergraduate students' attitudes and stigma.
• Virtual reality simulation was used as an educational intervention.

Main Results:

• VR simulations enhanced nursing students' empathy and sensitivity.
• Communication skills among students significantly improved post-simulation.
• VR integration positively influenced students' awareness and understanding.

Conclusions:

• Virtual reality simulation is an effective tool for preparing nursing students for mental health clinicals.
• VR can favorably alter student attitudes and reduce stigma associated with mental illness.
• Implementing VR in baccalaureate curricula fosters a deeper understanding of health equity in behavioral health nursing.