Other Titles
DEI Together: Virtual Reality (VR) Simulations for Immersive DEI Training in Nurses [Poster Title]
Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) simulations are gaining prominence as a method for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training in medical education but are seldom used in nursing programs. Although health-related programs in academic institutions have begun to address inclusion and bias, data suggest that racial climate remains a challenge in academic medical and nursing institutions. The main purpose of the study was to determine the feasibility and impact of DEI training for nursing students, faculty and clinical instructors. Two-10-minute VR simulations in a clinical and a classroom setting tailored for nursing faculty and students were developed to provide an immersive and experiential platform to deliver DEI training. Thirteen faculty, four clinical instructors, and twenty-one prelicensure nursing students enrolled in a large midwestern public university prelicensure program viewed the modules. Participants completed surveys to rate usability, as well as pre-and post-surveys that measured confidence and empathy about recognizing implicit biases and addressing microaggressions. Students, faculty and instructors agreed (76% strongly agreed) that the VR session was a feasible and effective tool for understanding experiences of other people. Themes from the open-ended questions that asked how their future practices will change included “Listen, validate, offer help and guidance.” Preliminary analysis indicated that the modules were easy to use and few adverse symptoms were reported during the VR simulation. The results suggested that the short duration and accessible, low-cost hardware of the VR training modules have potential for use in other health education disciplines.
Notes
References:
Roswell, R.O., Cogburn, C.D., Tocco, J., Martinez J., Bangeranye, C., Bailenson, J.N., et. al. (2020). Cultivating empathy through virtual reality: Advancing conversations about racism, inequity, and climate in medicine. Academic Medicine, 95(12), 1882-1886.
Breining, G. Future or fad? Virtual reality in medical education. https:/www.aamc.org/news-insights/future-or-fad-virtual-reality-medical education. Published August 28, 2018.
Williams, Lawrence, & Davis (2019). Racism and health: Evidence and needed research. Annual Review of Public Health, 40, 105-125.
Valdez, A., Fontenot, J., Millan, A. & McMurray, P. (2023). Knowledge, skills and attitudes about diversity, equity & inclusion among nurse educators. Teaching and Learning, 18, 308-316.
Sigma Membership
Alpha Lambda
Type
Poster
Format Type
Text-based Document
Study Design/Type
Exploratory
Research Approach
Pilot/Exploratory Study
Keywords:
DEI/BIPOC, Virtual Learning, Simulation, Simulations, Virtual Reality--Utilization, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion
Recommended Citation
Ricca, Paige; Vanderzwan, Kathryn; Rosa, Antoinette; and Hernandez, Rose, "Virtual Reality Training: Recognize Implicit Bias and Address Microaggressions in Nursing Education" (2026). International Nursing Research Congress (INRC). 86.
https://www.sigmarepository.org/inrc/2026/posters_2026/86
Conference Name
37th International Nursing Research Congress
Conference Host
Sigma Theta Tau International
Conference Location
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Conference Year
2026
Rights Holder
All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.
Review Type
Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host
Acquisition
Proxy-submission
Date of Issue
2026-08-30
Virtual Reality Training: Recognize Implicit Bias and Address Microaggressions in Nursing Education
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Virtual reality (VR) simulations are gaining prominence as a method for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training in medical education but are seldom used in nursing programs. Although health-related programs in academic institutions have begun to address inclusion and bias, data suggest that racial climate remains a challenge in academic medical and nursing institutions. The main purpose of the study was to determine the feasibility and impact of DEI training for nursing students, faculty and clinical instructors. Two-10-minute VR simulations in a clinical and a classroom setting tailored for nursing faculty and students were developed to provide an immersive and experiential platform to deliver DEI training. Thirteen faculty, four clinical instructors, and twenty-one prelicensure nursing students enrolled in a large midwestern public university prelicensure program viewed the modules. Participants completed surveys to rate usability, as well as pre-and post-surveys that measured confidence and empathy about recognizing implicit biases and addressing microaggressions. Students, faculty and instructors agreed (76% strongly agreed) that the VR session was a feasible and effective tool for understanding experiences of other people. Themes from the open-ended questions that asked how their future practices will change included “Listen, validate, offer help and guidance.” Preliminary analysis indicated that the modules were easy to use and few adverse symptoms were reported during the VR simulation. The results suggested that the short duration and accessible, low-cost hardware of the VR training modules have potential for use in other health education disciplines.
Description
This pilot study explored the feasibility, usability, and preliminary effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) simulations for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training in nursing education. Two immersive modules were developed for students, faculty, and instructors. Results showed high engagement and strong agreement that the VR modules can enhance empathy and understanding of others’ experiences. The sessions also increased self-awareness and confidence in addressing DEI issues.