Using virtual reality to prevent gun violence in injured adults
Official title: RFA-CE-23-006, A Virtual Reality Brief Violence Intervention: Preventing gun violence among violently injured adults
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10900438 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a virtual reality program that helps young adults who have been hurt by violence learn about the dangers of gun violence and how to stay safe, all while having an engaging and culturally relevant experience.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | September 29, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $649,818 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CE003625-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10900438 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this intervention are young adults aged 18-35 who have been hospitalized due to firearm-related injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced violent injuries or those outside the targeted age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop and evaluate a virtual reality intervention designed to prevent gun violence among adults who have been violently injured. By utilizing immersive storytelling and gameplay, the intervention seeks to engage patients in a culturally relevant manner while providing them with psychoeducation about the risks of violence and strategies for prevention. The program targets young adults, particularly those at high risk of retaliatory violence, to help reduce the likelihood of re-injury and mortality after hospital discharge.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce incidents of gun violence and improve safety for individuals who have experienced violent injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of virtual reality in health interventions is gaining traction, this specific approach to preventing gun violence is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomson, Nicholas David — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Thomson, Nicholas David
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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.