SimSimple in Practice - Occupational Violence Prevention

Occupational violence is a confronting reality for many healthcare workers, particularly those in mental health settings. Training teams to respond effectively and safely is critical—but creating the right learning environment is just as important.

A mental health team recently turned to Visually Enhanced Mental Simulation (VEMS) as a way to practice their response strategies. Rather than starting with high-stakes role play or actor-based simulation, the team used a simple but powerful approach: they placed an image of a consumer on a whiteboard, then walked through how they would engage, de-escalate, and support safety for everyone involved.

Facilitators guided participants to consider their approach, verbal strategies, body positioning, and escalation pathways. With each step, the group reflected on principles they had learned earlier in the day during lectures on aggression management, communication, and team coordination.

What surprised both facilitators and participants was just how engaging this simple format became. Without the intensity of a live scenario, participants reported feeling safe to contribute ideas, test strategies, and ask questions. The visuals gave just enough grounding to make the scenario real, while the format allowed for reflection and adaptation in real time.

For many, it felt like the perfect “bridge” between classroom learning and real-world practice—a safe, structured next step in building confidence.

This example highlights how VEMS can extend beyond acute and emergency care into the mental health space, providing a psychologically safe and flexible method to rehearse difficult interactions. By making it easy to start the conversation and practice as a team, VEMS is helping staff prepare for moments that matter most.