Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Virtual reality intervention to prevent gun violence among injured adults

Official title: A Virtual Reality Brief Violence Intervention: Preventing Gun Violence Among Violently Injured Adults

Run by Virginia Commonwealth University · NCT06239285 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a virtual reality program to see if it can help injured adults make better choices and reduce gun violence in their lives.

More Violence trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment220 (estimated)
SponsorVirginia Commonwealth University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Richmond, Virginia)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 26, 2024
Main results expectedSeptember 29, 2027
Study endsOctober 2027
Registry record updatedOctober 13, 2026
Trial IDNCT06239285 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have been violently injured and are English-speaking.

Probably not a fit

Patients who are under 18 years old or not victims of violent crime will not benefit from this study.

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

What this trial studies

This project aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a Virtual Reality Brief Violence Intervention (BVI-VR) designed to reduce firearm-related violence, re-injury, and mortality among violently injured adults. The intervention incorporates principles of positive psychology, motivational goal setting, psychoeducation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, delivered through a 30-minute VR experience. The study will utilize a randomized control trial methodology, gathering data from various sources including hospital records and self-reports to assess the intervention's impact on psychosocial factors and economic efficiency. Participants will be empowered to make positive choices and leverage community opportunities to enhance their well-being.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly reduce the incidence of firearm-related violence and improve the overall well-being of victims.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using virtual reality for behavioral interventions, but this specific approach targeting gun violence is novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* violently injured patients from VCU's Level 1 Trauma Center
* 18 years or older
* English-speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

* Under 18 years old
* Not a victim of Violent crime

Where it's running

  • Virginia Commonwealth University
    Richmond, Virginia, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.