Augmented Reality Trains Health Nurses

Student and newly qualified mental health nurses in Teesside and County Durham are taking part in the UK’s first placement using augmented reality (AR) for mental health crisis training. Co-developed by Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust (TEWV) and Teesside University, the simulation features a scenario where students assess a virtual patient named Paul using an AR headset.

Created in collaboration with local studio Tucan, the app integrates realistic environments and branching interactions, allowing students to explore crisis decision-making and safeguarding concerns. The simulation pauses at intervals to allow for supervised discussion and reflection.

Initial pilot results showed a 51% increase in knowledge and 63% increase in confidence among participating student nurses.

The project is part of the NHS-led PETaR initiative and is funded by the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System. It may be rolled out more broadly.