Abstract

Background: Workplace violence is a major global public health concern that undermines the physical safety, psychological well-being, and professional performance of nurses. Effective responses require increased sensitivity to environmental cues and interpersonal dynamics. However, nurses' workplace violence management cannot be cultivated through classroom instruction or text-based materials alone. This gap necessitates innovative, sustainable, and immersive learning approaches.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and acceptability of a spherical video–based virtual reality training programme aimed at helping nurses manage workplace violence.

Methods: A convergent mixed-methods study was employed. This study included nurses from a tertiary medical centre in Taiwan. The training programme involved four interactive 360° scenarios focused on recognising, de-escalating, and responding to workplace violence. Quantitative measures included risk perception, confidence in coping with aggression, and technology acceptance. Qualitative measures included the participants’ learning experiences. Quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated through joint displays.

Results: The programme was feasible, with all participants completing the training. Nurses reported high levels of perceived usefulness and ease of use. Quantitative data revealed considerable improvements in risk awareness and confidence in responding to incidents of violence. Qualitative data revealed that immersion and emotional resonance enhanced engagement, fostered self-reflection, and reinforced learning. Technical challenges included subtitle placement and speech recognition accuracy.

Conclusion: Spherical video–based virtual reality is a feasible, acceptable, and effective training approach that improves nurses’ preparedness for managing workplace violence by enhancing situational awareness and confidence in addressing high-risk situations.

Notes

References:

1. Baysan, A., Çonoğlu, G., Özkütük, N., & Orgun, F. (2023). Come and see through my eyes: A systematic review of 360-degree video technology in nursing education. Nurse Education Today, 128, 105886. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nedt.2023.105886

2. Huang, H., Hwang, G.-J., & Jong, M. S.-Y. (2022). Technological solutions for promoting employees' knowledge levels and practical skills: An SVVR-based blended learning approach for professional training. Computers & Education, 189, 104593. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2022.104593

3. Lee, M., Kim, S. K., Go, Y., Jeong, H., & Lee, Y. (2024). Positioning virtual reality as means of clinical experience in mental health nursing education: A quasi-experimental study. Applied Nursing Research, 77, 151800. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apnr.2024.151800

4. Stafford, S., Avsar, P., Nugent, L., O'Connor, T., Moore, Z., Patton, D., & Watson, C. (2022). What is the impact of patient violence in the emergency department on emergency nurses' intention to leave? Journal of Nursing Management, 30(6), 1852–1860. https://doi.org/10.1111/jonm.13728

5. Young, J., Fawcett, K., & Gillman, L. (2022). Evaluation of an immersive simulation programme for mental health clinicians to address aggression, violence, and clinical deterioration. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing, 31(6), 1417–1426. https://doi.org/10.1111/inm.13040

Description

This study evaluates a spherical video–based virtual reality training program that immerses nurses in realistic 360° scenarios to strengthen their awareness, confidence, and responses to workplace violence. Participants found the program engaging, practical, and easy to use. Attendees will learn how immersive VR can transform violence management training and promote safer, more resilient healthcare environments.

Author Details

Wen-Chii Tzeng, PhD, RN; Yen-Yin Lin, MS, RN

Sigma Membership

Lambda Beta at-Large

Type

Poster

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Other

Research Approach

Mixed/Multi Method Research

Keywords:

Virtual Learning, Teaching and Learning Strategies, Simulation, Virtual Reality, Workplace Violence, Workplace Violence--Prevention and Control, Workplace Violence--Education, Taiwan

Conference Name

37th International Nursing Research Congress

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Conference Year

2026

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record. All permission requests should be directed accordingly and not to the Sigma Repository. All submitting authors or publishers have affirmed that when using material in their work where they do not own copyright, they have obtained permission of the copyright holder prior to submission and the rights holder has been acknowledged as necessary.

Review Type

Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

Date of Issue

2026-07-28

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Spherical Video–Based VR Training for Nurses' Workplace Violence Management

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Background: Workplace violence is a major global public health concern that undermines the physical safety, psychological well-being, and professional performance of nurses. Effective responses require increased sensitivity to environmental cues and interpersonal dynamics. However, nurses' workplace violence management cannot be cultivated through classroom instruction or text-based materials alone. This gap necessitates innovative, sustainable, and immersive learning approaches.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility, effectiveness, and acceptability of a spherical video–based virtual reality training programme aimed at helping nurses manage workplace violence.

Methods: A convergent mixed-methods study was employed. This study included nurses from a tertiary medical centre in Taiwan. The training programme involved four interactive 360° scenarios focused on recognising, de-escalating, and responding to workplace violence. Quantitative measures included risk perception, confidence in coping with aggression, and technology acceptance. Qualitative measures included the participants’ learning experiences. Quantitative and qualitative findings were integrated through joint displays.

Results: The programme was feasible, with all participants completing the training. Nurses reported high levels of perceived usefulness and ease of use. Quantitative data revealed considerable improvements in risk awareness and confidence in responding to incidents of violence. Qualitative data revealed that immersion and emotional resonance enhanced engagement, fostered self-reflection, and reinforced learning. Technical challenges included subtitle placement and speech recognition accuracy.

Conclusion: Spherical video–based virtual reality is a feasible, acceptable, and effective training approach that improves nurses’ preparedness for managing workplace violence by enhancing situational awareness and confidence in addressing high-risk situations.