We evaluated a Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) programme in enhancing nursing students’ intercultural sensitivity and understanding of cultural safety.
Methods:
From April to May 2024, nursing students in Japan, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand completed a COIL module integrating Virtual Empathy Museum exploration, Padlet discussions, and live debriefings. A convergent mixed-methods design was adopted. Multi-source qualitative data were thematically analysed and integrated with pre/post Intercultural Sensitivity Scale (ISS) scores compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests.
Results:
Students reported a deeper understanding of cultural safety, appreciated diverse perspectives in nursing care, and valued the opportunity for cross-cultural learning. ISS scores showed no significant change, although Intercultural Attentiveness significantly improved among Japanese students.
Discussion:
This programme has the potential to develop intercultural sensitivity, cultural safety awareness, and support culturally congruent learning across continents. Further studies with larger samples and longer follow-up are needed to assess scalability and longer-term outcomes.
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