Virtual reality training aims to reduce hospital violence

A new virtual reality training program in Western Australia aims to reduce violence in hospital emergency departments. The program, called TIDE, simulates aggressive patient scenarios to teach staff trauma-informed care and effective de-escalation techniques. Recent reports indicate that over 50% of emergency doctors experience physical violence regularly. The TIDE program seeks to shift the focus from "what's wrong with you?" to understanding patients' past traumas, potentially improving interactions and reducing staff burnout. Training sessions have begun in WA, with hopes that the program will help create a calmer environment in healthcare settings. While some experts acknowledge the complexity of violence in hospitals, they support the trauma-informed approach as a valuable tool.