Virtual reality suicide risk assessment simulated training in pharmacy students

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Medical Simulation
• Mental Health Training

Background:

• Pharmacy students require robust training in suicide risk assessment (SRA).
• Traditional training methods may not fully prepare students for complex SRA scenarios.
• Virtual reality (VR) offers immersive and interactive learning experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the user experience of VR simulation for pharmacy student training in SRA.
• To assess the impact of VR simulation on learner confidence and engagement in SRA.
• To explore the potential of VR SRA training to meet primary healthcare mental health needs.

Main Methods:

• Development of two VR SRA case scenarios based on national guidelines.
• Pilot testing of VR SRA training with 14 pharmacy students.
• Exploration of user experience, learner confidence, and engagement through the VR simulation.

Main Results:

• VR SRA training was positively received by pharmacy students.
• Learners reported increased self-confidence in conducting SRA after VR training.
• User engagement with the VR simulation was relatively high.

Conclusions:

• VR simulation is a promising tool for training pharmacy students in SRA.
• The technology has the potential to enhance mental health service delivery in primary care.
• Further integration of VR in pharmacy curricula could improve SRA competency.