Acceptability and feasibility of using avatar-based virtual world software as an adjunct to clinical interventions, training, and reflective practice in a medium secure setting: A qualitative interview study.

Avatar software is feasible to implement, acceptable to patients and staff and may offer an opportunity to aid mentalisation and reflection. By definition, everyone engaging in this study was a volunteer, even an enthusiast, so it would now be useful to extend evaluation to those who need some encouragement to use avatar software. Research to quantify benefits and establish the cost impact is now indicated, as our findings show it may offer a novel way of connecting with hard-to-reach patient groups.