Preparedness plays a critical role in healthcare, often determining the difference between success and disaster. This principle extends to public health as well. Recent studies emphasize the importance of sufficient public health emergency preparedness (PHEP) for effectively responding to and recovering from major emerging infectious diseases (MEIDs). Unfortunately, recent MEIDs have revealed gaps in PHEP readiness.

The rapid advancements in virtual reality (VR) and human-computer interaction offer promising avenues for improving preparation methods. Notably, VR simulation training, when combined with technical skills training, enhances the response capacity of emergency responders and, for example, emergency reserve nurses compared to conventional training methods. These findings underscore the value of VR-based training in public health emergencies and warrant further research and adoption.

On the other end of the spectrum between surprising and foreseeable public health-relevant events, occupational safety remains a critical concern. Recent research highlights the effectiveness of VR interventions in enhancing public health outcomes within occupational safety education. Unsafe practices in workplaces often lead to injuries and fatalities, making VR an essential tool for promoting safety awareness.

This presentation synthesizes the latest research findings and provides insights into upcoming research priorities at the intersection of virtual reality and public health.