Deborah AE, Okpete UE, Byeon H. Evaluating the impact of virtual reality on reducing restrictive practices in psychiatric wards.
World J Psychiatry 2025;
15:101287. [PMID:
39974497 PMCID:
PMC11758060 DOI:
10.5498/wjp.v15.i2.101287]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2024] [Revised: 12/09/2024] [Accepted: 12/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2025] Open
Abstract
This manuscript critically evaluates the randomized controlled trial (RCT) conducted by Phiri et al, which assessed the effectiveness of virtual reality (VR) training for psychiatric staff in reducing restrictive practices (RPs). Specifically, this RCT investigated the impact of VR on the handling of aggressive patients by psychiatric staff compared to traditional training methods. Despite significant reductions in perceived discrimination in the VR group, there were no major improvements in self-efficacy or anxiety levels. The system usability scale rated the VR platform highly, but it did not consistently outperform traditional training methods. Indeed, the study shows the potential for VR to reduce RPs, although fluctuations in RP rates suggest that external factors, such as staff turnover, influenced the outcomes. This manuscript evaluates the study's methodology, results, and broader implications for mental health training. Additionally, it highlights the need for more comprehensive research to establish VR as a standard tool for psychiatric staff education, focusing on patient care outcomes and real-world applicability. Finally, this study explores future research directions, technological improvements, and the potential impact of policies that could enhance the integration of VR in clinical training.
Collapse