Effectiveness of Virtual Simulation to Enhance Cultural Competence in Pre-licensure and Licensed Health Professionals: A Systematic Review

Backgound: This systematic review aimed to identify, appraise, and synthesize existing evidence of virtual simulation to improve the cultural competence of pre-licensure and licensed health professionals. Method: This review used the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-Based Practice model and assessment tools. Results: Analysis included nine studies rated as good (n = 4) or low (n = 5) quality. It was found that virtual simulation significantly enhanced cultural competence in four good-quality studies. Overall, positive experience and usefulness of virtual simulation were reported. Conclusions: Virtual simulation provides opportunities to learn non-technical skills required in caring for migrants. Heterogeneity of the virtual simulation interventions and methodological flaws were major limitations. It is necessary to develop and implement virtual simulation consistently through best practice standards. (C) 2021 International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.