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.

This editorial examines the application of virtual reality (VR) training to mitigate restrictive practices (RPs) within psychiatric facilities. RPs include physical restraints, seclusion, and chemical restraints, used to ensure patient safety but with varying usage rates across regions. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on the adverse effects of RPs on both healthcare workers and patients, leading to calls for its reduction. Previous research has shown the efficiency of VR training in RP reduction. This editorial will analyze the limitations of VR training in prior research aimed at reducing RP, emphasizing that the essence of RPs is a medical safety issue, calling for careful differentiation of the causes of RPs, and avoiding the use of AR technology as a "new bottle" for "old wine" to improve the quality and reproducibility of future research in this field.

This editorial examines the application of virtual reality (VR) training to mitigate restrictive practices (RPs) within psychiatric facilities. RPs include physical restraints, seclusion, and chemical restraints, used to ensure patient safety but with varying usage rates across regions. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on the adverse effects of RPs on both healthcare workers and patients, leading to calls for its reduction. Previous research has shown the efficiency of VR training in RP reduction. This editorial will analyze the limitations of VR training in prior research aimed at reducing RP, emphasizing that the essence of RPs is a medical safety issue, calling for careful differentiation of the causes of RPs, and avoiding the use of AR technology as a "new bottle" for "old wine" to improve the quality and reproducibility of future research in this field.