Immersive Virtual Simulation for Undergraduate Nursing Education on Migrant Mental Health: A Mixed-Methods Study

Nursing graduates reported feeling unprepared to address migrants' mental health needs. Immersive virtual reality offers an innovative approach to enhance therapeutic communication, cultural competence, and humility. This study examined the acceptability of a virtual reality simulation focused on migrants with mental health challenges and its impact on students' attitudes and cultural competence. A multi-phase sequential mixed methods design was used: phase 1 involved intervention development through an integrative review and a participatory approach; phase 2 employed a one-group pre-quasi-experimental and post-quasi-experimental design; phase 3 employed an interpretive description. Students found the simulation highly acceptable, reporting significant improvements in cultural competence and modest reductions in stigma. Qualitative findings revealed 4 themes: interacting with virtual reality technology; bridging educational gaps; shifting perspectives and practice; and navigating care through lived experiences. Virtual reality shows promise for strengthening mental health nursing education and practice by addressing gaps in clinical placements and traditional teaching. Future research should expand content, improve usability and realism, assess long-term impacts, and support faculty training.