Introduction and Aims

Simulation-based education is an experiential, hands-on type of learning that immerses learners in real-life scenarios in a safe, realistic environment (Issenberg et al., 2005). While simulation is well-established in other medical specialties like surgery and anesthesiology, its use in psychiatry and mental health has been primarily focused on the use of simulated patients (Thomson et al., 2013). The use of Virtual Reality (VR) Simulation in psychiatric education is an under-utilized though effective means of providing a psychologically safe environment for acquiring skills to manage high-risk events (Kyaw et al, 2019; Van Gaalen et al, 2021). This workshop offers participants the opportunity to engage in a novel, innovative approach to teaching management of psychiatric emergencies.

Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:

• Reflect on the use of virtual reality simulations to support clinical skill development in managing high-risk mental health situations.
• Review the evidence for the use of virtual reality simulation in medical education.