Virtual reality interventions for victims of crime: A systematic review

Abstract

In the forensic field, most studies employing virtual reality (VR) interventions have focused on offenders. The validity and safety of VR applications for victims of crime are still unclear. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review on VR interventions for crime victims was performed to assess the efficacy, acceptability by patients, and cost‐effectiveness of these interventions compared to in‐person care. We identified 34 potentially eligible studies from 188 records obtained from database searches (Medline/Pubmed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus); four additional articles were identified via alternative sources. In total, nine articles were included for the qualitative synthesis. Patient satisfaction with VR interventions was found to be equivalent to face‐to‐face interventions. Both VR exposure and control groups found relief from posttraumatic symptoms, with differences either statistically insignificant or in favor of VR. Despite the increased costs linked to the technology required, VR appears to be a promising alternative to in vivo exposure, but further research is needed. Limitations of the review include the varied experimental protocols, which did not allow us to conduct a quantitative analysis and comparison of findings across different studies, and the generally poor quality of the studies included. Further research, preferably in larger groups, is needed to shed more light on the effectiveness of VR interventions for traumatized victims of crime.

The status of virtual simulation experiments in medical education in China: based on the national virtual simulation experiment teaching Center (iLAB-X)

“…All these curricula of forensic medicine in iLAB-X were synthetically designed according to real cases. Current virtual simulation trainings in forensic medicine are devoted to effectively reconstructing accident or crime scenes, and learners are trained in scene investigation, high-order thinking and logical reasoning in these immersive environments [ 47 , 48 ]. The virtual simulation experiments of medical technology on iLAB-X were mainly focused on medical radiation and imaging, laboratory diagnosis and dental laboratory technology.…”