Clinicians’ Perceptions of Virtual Reality for Deliberate Firesetting

Purpose: VR is a novel technology that could be used in the assessment and/or treatment of deliberate firesetting. This study aimed to develop an understanding of clinicians’ views of VR for deliberate firesetting, in order to identify areas where VR could potentially add value to current practice and any particular barriers to using VR in this context.

Methodology: Through an online survey, 73 clinicians rated their agreement with nine potential benefits of using VR for firesetting and 11 potential barriers to using it. They also provided free text responses detailing the greatest perceived potential benefit and the greatest perceived barrier. Factors related to intent to use VR for firesetting in the future were explored.

Findings: Clinicians perceived the ability to safely expose clients to fire-related stimuli to be highly beneficial. However, clinicians were concerned about the possibility of re-traumatisation and logistic barriers. Previous experience of using VR with individuals who have set fires was significantly related to using it in the future.

Practical implications: Further research establishing the feasibility and effectiveness of using VR with individuals who have set fires may help alleviate clinicians’ concerns. Increasing opportunities for clinicians to experience a firesetting VR programme may widen implementation of firesetting VR. 

Originality/value: Previous research has only focused on clinicians’ perceptions of VR in the general field of forensic mental health and has failed to consider offence-specific applications.