The use of virtual reality in forensic-correctional psychiatric settings: A systematic review

Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly being used as an innovative technology for assessment, treatment, and training within psychiatric settings. However, little work has been done to synthesize existing literature on the use and benefits of VR in forensic-correctional settings. This review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guideline. Protocol is available at Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/3m6p2). A total of 1317 articles were screened, and 32 reports were included in the final review. VR interventions were identified as effective in forensic-correctional settings for assessment of patients with pedophilic disorders, reducing aggression and stress, increasing empathy in intimate partner violence (IPV) offenders, enhancing community reintegration through education and vocational readiness, and improving patient engagement. Furthermore, VR allows innovative incorporation of biophysiological measures to support objective and quantifiable measures of risk within forensic-correctional populations. Barriers to VR use and implementation included cybersickness in users, the knowledge and technical burden to utilize interventions, and the demand for resources. The quality of the included studies was assessed as predominantly moderate. Overall, the findings in this review highlight the promising benefits of VR as an innovative tool for assessments and care in forensic-correctional settings. There is need for stakeholders' support, standardization of VR uses, and promotion of evidence-based guidelines for successful implementation and effective integration into care. As the integration of technologies into healthcare continues to advance, VR has the capacity to reshape mental health care within forensic-correctional settings and future research is needed to guide effective use.