Overview

The 3E VR Training Program is built on an adaptive decision tree framework that dynamically responds to learner choices, ensuring an immersive, scenario-based learning experience. By integrating real-time decision-making with instructional design principles, the program provides personalized feedback, branching logic, and skill reinforcement to enhance competency, confidence, and clinical judgment.

Managing Agitation, Escalation, and Violence with 3E

Transforming Every Interaction into a Moment of Trust, Understanding, and Care

Presented by:
UAB OPXE XR Training Lab

Introduction to 3E VR Training

Effective communication, de-escalation, and trust-building are crucial for patient care in today's fast-paced healthcare environments. The 3E VR Training Program provides healthcare professionals with immersive, scenario-based learning experiences designed to:

• Enhance provider confidence in high-stress situations
• Develop empathy-driven communication techniques
• Strengthen de-escalation skills to manage agitation and prevent violence
• Improve patient and caregiver trust through compassionate engagement

This program utilizes cutting-edge Virtual Reality (VR) to equip learners to Engage, Explain, and Empower (3E) in real-world clinical scenarios.

 

What is the 3E Framework?

The 3E model—Engage, Explain, Empower—is a structured communication approach that helps healthcare providers:

• Engage: Actively listen, acknowledge emotions, and recognize signs of distress early.
• Explain: Provide clear, empathetic communication that reassures and informs patients and caregivers.
• Empower: Encourage patient participation in care decisions, reinforcing trust and collaboration.

By incorporating these principles into VR-based training, healthcare professionals can build the skills to handle challenging patient interactions with confidence, empathy, and professionalism.

 

Program Features & Learning Objectives

Our VR training module allows learners to take on the role of a provider in a realistic, high-stakes patient interaction. Through immersive, interactive experiences, participants will:

• Recognize early signs of agitation and escalation
• Employ verbal and non-verbal de-escalation techniques
• Navigate emotionally charged conversations with empathy
• Ensure personal and patient safety while fostering trust
• Apply structured communication strategies to reduce conflict and improve patient outcomes

The 3E VR Training Lab offers a safe, risk-free environment for learners to practice, enhance, and master critical patient-care interactions.

VR Training Scenario: Managing an Agitated Patient in a Hospital Setting

Scenario Overview:
The learner assumes the role of Nurse Gladwell, who is called into a hospital room to attend to Mr. James, a post-operative patient experiencing agitation and distress. Mr. James is frustrated with his care, anxious about his symptoms, and showing escalating emotional responses.

Training Goals:

• Recognize and respond to patient distress early
• Apply the 3E framework to calm and de-escalate agitation
• Build rapport through empathetic listening and clear explanations
• Empower the patient by involving them in their care decisions
• Navigate a high-pressure healthcare interaction with confidence and professionalism

VR Environment & Interactive Learning Elements

Immersive Virtual Setting

The hospital room environment is designed to mirror real-world conditions, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making skills.

• Location: Private hospital room equipped with medical monitors, patient bed, and care tools.
• Atmosphere: Sounds of hallway movement, patient monitors, and Mr. James’ increasingly distressed tone.
• AI-driven interactions: The patient’s emotional responses change dynamically based on the learner’s decisions, creating a realistic training experience.

Key Interactive Features

• Decision Trees & Adaptive Pathways: The learner makes real-time choices that shape the outcome of the scenario.
• AI-Powered Coaching: Optional Access to AI Mentors guides learners to refine de-escalation techniques.
• Live Scenario Replays: Learners can revisit the training, explore alternative responses, and refine their skills.
• Performance Analytics: Personalized learning insights track progress, strengths, and areas for improvement.

Applying 3E: Decision-Making in Action

Example Scenario Progression:

1️. Initial Interaction

• Mr. James (visibly upset): "Nobody cares about me! I’ve been sitting here in pain, and no one’s checked in!"
• Learner Decision:
• ✅ Validate frustration and invite him to share more (Correct Path – De-escalates the situation)
• ❌ Firmly demand cooperation (Incorrect Path – Escalates patient agitation)

2️. De-escalation Techniques

• Mr. James (softening but still frustrated): "I just feel like I don’t matter here."
• Learner Decision:
• ✅ Acknowledge his emotions, provide reassurance, and explain the care plan (Builds trust)
• ❌ Ignore the emotions and focus on clinical assessment only (Patient remains disengaged and resistant)

3️. Empowering the Patient

• Mr. James (calming down): "Okay… I just want to know what's happening with my care."
• Learner Decision:
• ✅ Offer actionable solutions, involve the patient in their care decisions (Patient gains confidence and trust in the provider)
• ❌ Deflect or minimize concerns (Patient remains dissatisfied, leading to further distress)

Beyond De-Escalation: Expanding 3E Applications in Healthcare Training

While this module focuses on agitation and escalation management, the 3E VR framework extends to multiple critical healthcare training scenarios, including:

• Patient-Caregiver Communication & Shared Decision-Making
• Behavioral Health & Suicide Risk Assessment Training
• Emergency Response & Critical Care Decision-Making
• Crisis Intervention & Workplace Violence Prevention
• Empathy & Cultural Competency in Patient Care
• Interdisciplinary Team Collaboration & Clinical Leadership

The 3E XR Training Program ensures clinical accuracy, measurable training outcomes, and a lasting impact by incorporating AI-driven mentors, insights from clinical experts, and high-fidelity VR simulations.

Transforming Healthcare Training Through VR & Simulation

The UAB OPXE XR Training Lab is redefining professional education for healthcare providers by leveraging immersive, high-fidelity simulations. This program ensures that every interaction is an opportunity to build trust, defuse tension, and improve patient care outcomes.

With the 3E VR Training Program, healthcare teams can:

✅ Train in a secure, engaging environment
✅ Cultivate empathy, confidence, and crisis management abilities
✅ Enhance patient safety, satisfaction, and care quality
✅ Expand training organization-wide with multi-device accessibility

Explore the 3E VR Training Program. Enroll today!