Using virtual reality to help healthcare workers cope with burnout and prevent substance use disorders
Official title: The Chiron Project: ICORP PROGRAM
Funded at See Yourself Health, LLC · NIH-11269392 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new virtual reality program designed to help healthcare workers who are feeling burned out by teaching them self-care skills and providing support, all while making it easy and fun to use on their phones or VR headsets.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | See Yourself Health, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Beverly, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $55,000 |
| NIH project number | 3R43DA054867-01A1S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11269392 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are healthcare professionals, including physicians and nurses, who are experiencing burnout and are at risk for substance use disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not healthcare workers or those who do not experience burnout may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing an immersive virtual reality platform aimed at healthcare professionals who are experiencing burnout. The Chiron Project will provide educational programs that teach self-compassion, resilience, and self-management skills, while also offering confidential peer support and evidence-based care. By utilizing mobile devices or VR headsets, the project seeks to create a supportive environment that addresses the high rates of substance abuse and alcohol consumption among healthcare workers. The goal is to assess the feasibility and usability of this innovative approach to improve mental health and reduce substance use disorders.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce burnout and substance use disorders among healthcare workers, leading to improved mental health and job satisfaction.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in using virtual reality for mental health interventions, indicating potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
See Yourself Health, LLC
Beverly, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Drascher, Maxwell Lee — See Yourself Health, LLC
- Study coordinator: Drascher, Maxwell Lee
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.