Virtual Reality Program to Reduce Gun Violence Among Adults Injured by Violence

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the Brief Violence Intervention-Virtual Reality BVI-VR program to reduce firearm-related violence, re-injury, and death among violently injured adults aged 18 and older. This study will use data from criminal background checks, hospital records, state data, clinical assessments, and self-reports to measure firearm-related violence and its psychosocial mediators. The study also aims to assess the economic efficiency of BVI-VR as an intervention. The BVI-VR is a hospital-based, 30-minute intervention that incorporates positive psychology, motivational goal setting through gameplay, psychoeducation, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. Participants receiving BVI-VR will engage in five steps designed to address psychosocial risks and enhance protective factors for violence. The comparison group will receive a community resource brochure listing local support services. The study uses a randomized controlled trial design. Participants will be adults treated at VCUs Level 1 Trauma Center for violent injuries. They will complete self-report surveys, neurocognitive and clinical assessments at baseline and follow-ups at 3 and 6 months. Researchers will track firearm-related violence, re-injury, mortality, and psychosocial changes. Engagement with the intervention and treatment fidelity will also be monitored. The total participation period extends to at least 6 months post-randomization.

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