Reducing Mental Health Stigma Among Healthcare Workers and Students with a Virtual Reality Protocol

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This randomized trial enrolls 128 healthcare workers and students (medicine, nursing, or psychology) in Poitiers, France, to compare a VR protocol depicting psychotic symptoms with a VR control condition. Participants will be assessed for changes in explicit attitudes and implicit stigma toward schizophrenia. The study uses immersive VR to promote perspective-taking and empathy, aiming to standardize exposure across individuals. Eligible participants are adults aged 18-65 without psychiatric or addictive disorders (except tobacco use). Outcomes focus on stigma reduction and feasibility of the VR approach in a healthcare education setting.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* aged between 18 and 65
* currently employed as a healthcare professional or enrolled as a advanced-grade student in medicine, nursing, or psychology
* no history of psychiatric or addictive disorders (except for tobacco dependence)
* covered by French social security
* able to provide informed written consent after receiving appropriate information.

Exclusion Criteria:

* current or past psychiatric or addictive disorder (except tobacco dependence)
* use of antipsychotic medication; first-degree family history of schizophrenia; cognitive impairment
* susceptibility to cybersickness
* recent (\<1 year) or acute neurological disorders
* history of epilepsy
* known otorhinolaryngologic conditions causing vertigo, nausea or vomiting
* pregnancy or breastfeeding
* legal protection measures
* any condition, in the investigator's opinion that would prevent valid questionnaire completion.

Where it's running

• Unité de Recherche Clinique (URC), Centre Hospitalier Henri Laborit
  Poitiers, France Recruiting
• Centre Hospitalier Nord-Deux-Sèvres
  Thouars, France Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Pierre-Marie LEBLANC, MD
• Email: pierre-marie.leblanc@ch-poitiers.fr
• Phone: +33549445801

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.