Metaverse-Based Clinical Training in Nursing Education: Utilization of Computer Graphics and Generative AI

The global pandemic and changing world circumstances have necessitated a fundamental review of traditional face-to-face educational models. In the field of nursing education, these societal changes have accelerated the digital transformation (DX) of nursing education, making the transition to innovative educational methods utilizing digital technology essential. This study proposes a new framework for nursing education that integrates metaverse technology centered on Unreal Engine 5 (UE5) with generative AI. Through literature review and technical analysis, we clarified methods for detailed reproduction of clinical environments using UE5’s high-quality 3D rendering technology and integration methods for interactive patient simulation utilizing large language models. The results demonstrate that efficient content production workflows enable the construction of metaverse environments that are realistically implementable even in educational institutions. However, addressing challenges such as AI hallucination phenomena, data privacy protection, faculty training, and organizational support is key to successful implementation. This study provides practical guidelines for nursing education DX and charts a path for future educational transformation.