AI-based psychiatric simulation to reduce stigma and boost readiness in nursing students
Official title: Reducing Mental Health Stigma and Enhancing Readiness for Psychiatric Practice Via AI Simulation Among Nursing Students: The Mediating Role of Psychological Safety. A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Alexandria University · NCT07896538 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A randomized trial will test whether an AI-powered simulation program helps fourth-year nursing students at Alexandria University think more positively about mental illness and feel more prepared to work in psychiatric care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Alexandria University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Alexandria, Alexandria Governorate) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | October 20, 2026 |
| Main results expected | November 2026 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 27, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07896538 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Fourth-year nursing students enrolled in the psychiatric-mental health nursing course at Alexandria University who have internet access and consent to participate.
✕Probably not a fit
Students who do not engage with the AI simulations or who do not respond to assessments may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study compares an AI-driven simulation program added to standard psychiatric nursing curriculum versus standard curriculum alone. The AI module includes five weekly cases (depression with suicide risk, mania, schizophrenia, substance use disorder, and another case) lasting about 15-20 minutes each. The study explores whether increases in psychological safety during simulation explain any reduction in stigma and improved readiness for psychiatric practice. 200 students are randomized 1:1, with outcomes assessed after the five-week intervention and through follow-up assessments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could reduce stigma and improve preparedness of nursing students to provide compassionate care to patients with mental illness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in other settings has shown AI-based simulations can influence attitudes toward mental health, but results vary by context.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Officially enrolled as a fourth-year undergraduate nursing student at the Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University, and registered in the second clinical rotation group of the psychiatric-mental health nursing course for the 2026/2027 academic year. * Willing and able to provide written informed consent. * Access to a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet connectivity sufficient to complete the simulation sessions and online questionnaires. Exclusion Criteria: * Repeating the psychiatric-mental health nursing course. * Previous participation in this or a similar AI-based or virtual psychiatric simulation programme.
Where it's running
-
Faculty of Nursing, Alexandria University
Alexandria, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mohamed Salem, PHD — Alexandria University
- Study coordinator: Mohamed Fakhry Salem, PhD
- Email: Mohamed.Fakhry@alexu.edu.eg
- Phone: 01286038014
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.