VR-SAFE: Virtual Reality Training to Help Healthcare Workers Prevent Violent Encounters
Official title: Feasibility of Virtual Reality Skills to Avoid Frequent Violent Encounters (VR-SAFE) for Healthcare Staff
Funded at Utah State University · NIH-11353561 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new virtual reality training program helps healthcare workers learn skills to prevent violent encounters and stay safer on the job.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Logan, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $202,771 |
| NIH project number | 1R21OH013040-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11353561 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Frontline healthcare workers in hospital settings who may experience workplace violence and are eligible for training studies.
✕Less likely to help
Staff not exposed to WPV or those who are not enrolled in training programs may not benefit.
What this research studies
Healthcare workers often face verbal and physical aggression from patients and families, which can lead to burnout and turnover. This project tests a virtual reality skills module designed to improve safety and efficiency of training in handling violent situations. Participants would practice realistic scenarios in VR to develop responses that reduce harm and improve care delivery. The study is at the feasibility stage and aims to determine whether VR training is practical and acceptable for frontline staff.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the training could become an effective, scalable way to reduce violence against hospital staff and improve workplace safety.
How similar studies have gone: Past research suggests training in de-escalation and safety can reduce incidents, but VR-specific feasibility for WPV prevention in healthcare is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Utah State University
Logan, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clay, Casey J — Utah State University
- Study coordinator: Clay, Casey J
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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.