Firefighters’ Perceptions and Needs on Virtual Reality Psychological Intervention Program: Applying Focus Group Interview

The occupation of firefighting is characterized by a high risk of exposure to traumatic events, which can result in the development of post-traumatic stress disorder. This study aims to investigate firefighters’ perceptions and needs on virtual reality (VR) psychological intervention programs. The study is qualitative and uses a focus group interview. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with two focus groups of six people, one for field staff and one for internal and psychological support staff. Consequently, two themes and eight categories were identified for VR psychological intervention programs. Firefighters' perceptions of the VR psychological intervention program were categorized into three categories. Their needs included “a form of group counseling with realistic virtual colleagues,” “content modules that reflect different trauma experiences for each job, such as rescue and resuscitation, firefighting, and desk work,” “a standardized, one-hour, non-face-to-face program,” “support for manual development and program utilization that considers individual differences in age and digital proficiency,” and “professional firefighters’ participation in development and outreach to individuals, managers, and organizations.” The key findings of the study are expected to be considered in developing future VR psychological intervention programs for firefighters.