Beyond the Screen: Using Virtual Reality to Train Tomorrow's Clinicians in Suicide Risk Assessment

In this episode of Perspectives on Health and Tech, Oracle Health sits down with Dr. Petal S. Abdool, Geriatric Psychiatrist and Medical Director of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Simulation Centre, to explore how virtual reality is transforming the way clinicians are trained to assess suicide risk and respond to opioid-related emergencies.   Together, we discuss why immersive simulation is emerging as a powerful tool in mental health education, how VR creates a safe space for clinicians to practice complex and emotionally charged conversations, and what early insights reveal about its impact on learner confidence and preparedness. The conversation also looks ahead to how technologies like VR, AI, and connected clinical systems may shape the future of training the next generation of mental health professionals.     -------------------------------------------------------------   Episode Transcript:  00;00;13;09 - 00;00;30;03 Intro Welcome to Perspectives on Health and Tech podcast. Brought to you by Oracle Health. In this series, we have conversations on creating a seamless and connected health care world where everyone thrives. Let's get started. 00;00;30;06 - 00;01;00;16 Steve Herron Hello everyone. I'm Steve Herron and I lead the continuum product group at Oracle Health. That includes behavioral and mental health rehabilitation, post-acute care, and social determinants of health. And today, I'm especially excited to talk about innovation at the intersection of mental health education, clinical readiness, and emerging technology. Suicide risk assessment is one of the most critical and most difficult skills clinicians must develop. 00;01;00;19 - 00;01;30;05 Steve Herron These are high stakes conversations that demand empathy, clinical judgment, and confidence, often formed under intense pressure. Yet historically, clinicians have had limited opportunities to practice these skills in a realistic but safe environment. That's where innovation becomes essential. At Oracle Health, we're fortunate to work with organizations that don't just adopt technology, but thoughtfully reimagine how it can support clinicians and patients. 00;01;30;08 - 00;02;00;13 Steve Herron One of those organizations is the center for Addiction and Mental Health, or CAMH in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. During a recent visit, CAMH. I had the opportunity to tour their campus and spend time in their Virtual Reality Learning center. What stood out immediately was how VR is being used not as a novelty, but as a rigorous, evidence-based training tool to prepare clinicians for some of the most complex moments in mental health care. 00;02;00;15 - 00;02;29;19 Steve Herron So today, we'll explore how CAMH is using virtual reality to train clinicians in suicide risk assessment and opioid overdose recognition. What they've learned so far, and what this means for the future of clinical education. I'm delighted to be joined by today's guest, Doctor Petal Abdool geriatric psychiatrist, educator, faculty member at the University of Toronto and medical director of the CAMH Simulation Center. 00;02;29;22 - 00;02;33;18 Steve Herron Doctor Abdool, thank you so much for joining me. 00;02;33;20 - 00;02;44;21 Dr. Petal Abdool Thank you so much, Steve, for this wonderful invitation. It's a true pleasure to be here and to have the chance to highlight this important work. 00;02;44;23 - 00;02;59;24 Steve Herron To start us off. For listeners who may not be familiar with CAMH or your role there, could you share a little bit about a CAMH's mission and your work at the simulation center? Particularly as it relates to education and training in mental health? 00;02;59;26 - 00;03;45;01 Dr. Petal Abdool Absolutely. As you said, CAMH, which is Canada's largest m