Stepping into another's shoes: could virtual reality foster empathy for homelessness?
NCT ID NCT07727447
First seen Jul 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 28, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial tests whether a virtual reality simulation, 'We Live Here,' can improve empathy and attitudes toward people experiencing homelessness in undergraduate medical sciences students. One group experiences the VR simulation before hearing from guest speakers with lived experience of homelessness, while another group hears the speakers first. Researchers compare changes in attitudes and engagement to see if the order of activities makes a difference.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- a virtual reality simulation called 'We Live Here' that places users in the perspective of a woman experiencing homelessness
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this approach could help train healthcare professionals to be more empathetic and understanding toward people experiencing homelessness.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study in a specific group of students, so results may not apply broadly. The VR experience may not change attitudes more than hearing speakers alone.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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74 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Sep 2025
- Finished
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Nov 2025
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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Children (under 18), adults (18 to 64) and older adults (65 and over)
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Accepted
You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Students must be enrolled in MedSci 4995E and be able to put on and experience the VR simulation. Exclusion Criteria: * Students with visual/audio impairments may not be able to participate in the VR experience.
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As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario, Canada
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