Research into gambling behaviour is an important aspect of mitigating the effects of problem gambling. However, the majority of existing studies are conducted in the laboratory, rather than in vivo, raising questions over the generalisability of results. Virtual reality (VR) is well established as an effective tool for exposure therapy, and has also been used in other experimental contexts: such work is often motivated by the ability of the platform to create ecologically valid conditions, and simulations that would be hard to create in real life. Whilst a small number of studies have used VR to evoke the urge to gamble, and also to conduct behavioural studies, no work has yet considered the differences in experience between laboratory and VR conditions.We approach this from the perspective of immersion, arousal and user experience, and conduct a within-subjects study (N = 48) in which participants play a gambling game both on a laptop in a laboratory, and on a virtual gaming machine located in a VR simulation of a betting shop. Our results show that participants reported higher levels of arousal, as well as higher levels of immersion in the game when playing in VR. There was also a significant difference in self-reported physical task workload in VR. Based on our results, we argue for further use of VR in experimental research related to gambling, as well as further study of the experience and responses of problem gamblers to VR simulations of real-world gambling.

The use of virtual reality (VR) to simulate confrontational human behaviour has signifcant potential for use in training, where the recreation of uncomfortable feelings may help users to prepare for challenging real-life situations. In this paper we present a user study (n=68) in which participants experienced simulated confrontational behaviour performed by a virtual character either in immersive VR, or on a 2D display. Participants reported a higher elevation in anxiety in VR, which correlated positively with a perceived sense of physical space. Character believability was infuenced negatively by visual elements of the simulation, and positively by behavioural

Rapid, continuous gambling formats are associated with higher risks for gambling-related harm in terms of excessive monetary and time expenditure. The current study investigated the effect on gambling response latency and persistence, of a new form of within-game intervention that required players to actively engage in response inhibition via monitoring for stop signals. Seventyfour experienced electronic gaming machine gamblers, with a mean age of 35.28 years, were recruited to participate in a rapid, continuous gambling task where real money could be won and lost. Participants were randomly allocated to either the control condition where no intervention was presented, or either a condition with a passive three minute break in play or a condition with a three minute intervention that required participants to engage in response inhibition. Although there was no main effect for experimental condition on gambling persistence, both interventions were effective in elevating response latency during a period of sustained losses. It was concluded that within-game interventions that create an enforced break in play are effective in increasing response latency between bets during periods of sustained losses. Furthermore, within-game interventions that require active involvement appear to be more effective in increasing response latency than standard, passive breaks in play.

Operating theatres are dynamic environments that require multi professional team interactions. Effective team working is essential for efficient delivery of safe patient care. A fire in the operating theatre is a rare but potentially life threatening event for both patients and staff. A rapid and cohesive response from theatre and allied staff including porters, fire safety officer etc is paramount. We delivered a training session that utilised in situ simulation (simulation in workplace). After conducting needs analysis, learning objectives were agreed. After thorough planning, the date and location of the training session were identified. Contingency plans were put in place to ensure that patient care was not compromised at any point. To ensure success, checklists for faculty were devised and adhered to. A medium fidelity manikin with live monitoring was used. The first part of the scenario involved management of a surgical emergency by theatre staff. The second part involved management of a fire in the operating theatre while an emergency procedure was being undertaken. To achieve maximum learning potential, debriefing was provided immediately after each part of the scenario. A fire safety officer was present as a content expert. Latent errors (hidden errors in the workplace, staff knowledge etc) were identified. Malfunctioning of theatre floor windows and staff unawareness about the location of an evacuation site were some of the identified latent errors. Thorough feedback to address these issues was provided to the participants on the day. A detailed report of the training session was given to the relevant departments. This resulted in the equipment faults being rectified. The training session was a very positive experience and helped not only in improving participants' knowledge, behaviour and confidence but also it made system and environment better equipped.

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