Abstract

This is an integrative review paper of Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) simulation programs in the mental health area including the analysis of the general characteristics, contents, and the impact of the interventions studies. The keywords used to search the studies were "AR/VR" and "medical/nursing students". The author and a postdoctoral research fellow searched four electronic databases: Web of Science, PubMed, EmBase, and CINHA, and as a result nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Among the selected studies AR/VR simulation programs in the mental health area for healthcare professionals were found to be effective in clinical skills as well as for the interpersonal relationship and the stigma of mentally ill patients. Providing an opportunity to experience a safe and effective tool is important when educating health professionals and AR/VR simulation programs are safe and effective. Thus, standardized AR/VR simulation programs are needed to be developed for health professionals.