Using virtual reality to improve firearm safety counseling for children
Official title: An Automated Virtual Reality Intervention to Enhance Firearm Safety Counseling in Pediatrics
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11054073 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a virtual reality program that helps doctors practice talking to families about gun safety, so they can feel more confident and do a better job, ultimately aiming to keep kids safer from gun-related injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $282,830 |
| NIH project number | 1K18HD117377-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054073 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pediatric patients and their caregivers, particularly those in households with firearms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have access to firearms or are not involved in firearm-related discussions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of an automated virtual reality (VR) intervention designed to enhance firearm safety counseling provided by pediatric clinicians. The VR program allows clinicians to practice counseling techniques in a realistic environment, receiving immediate feedback to improve their skills. By addressing barriers such as lack of knowledge and confidence in discussing firearm safety, the intervention aims to increase the frequency and effectiveness of counseling sessions. Ultimately, this approach seeks to reduce firearm-related injuries and fatalities among children and adolescents.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved firearm safety practices in homes with children, significantly reducing the risk of firearm-related injuries and deaths.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success with similar educational interventions in improving safety practices, indicating a promising potential for this novel VR approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Real, Francis — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Real, Francis
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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.