Virtual reality-based home accident control simulation combined with first aid training to enhance awareness in parents of children with special needs: protocol for a single-group pre-post quasi-experimental study

Introduction Children with special needs frequently experience accidents and injuries due to motor control difficulties. The most common home accidents include falls, burns, poisoning, drowning and choking. Compared to their typically developing peers, children with special needs are at a higher risk of home accidents and emergency department visits. Falls related to balance impairments are especially common in this population. The aim of this study is to assess the effects of a virtual reality-based home accident control simulation combined with first aid training on the awareness and initial responses to home accidents of parents of children with special needs, using a single-group pre-post quasi-experimental design. Methods and analysis This quasi-experimental study, using a pre-test/post-test design, is planned to include 100 volunteer parents of children with special needs who are registered at a Barrier-Free Life Application and Research Centre. The parents will receive training on home accidents via virtual reality simulation, supplemented by first aid and transfer training. Data will be collected using the Descriptive Information Form and the Home Accident Awareness Questionnaire for Parents of Children with Special Needs. Children’s balance status will be assessed to determine their fall risk using the Children’s Balance Assessment Form, the Tinetti Balance and Gait Assessment and the Nintendo Wii Fit Balance Board. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of Istanbul Topkapi University. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and academic conferences.