Exploring enablers and barriers to implementing virtual reality-based alcohol and other drug prevention among adolescents: a cross-national Delphi study in Germany and Australia
1
Institute of Health and Nursing Science, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
2
Social Marketing @ Griffith, Department of Marketing, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia
Popul. Med. 2026;8(Supplement Supplement 1):
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative tool for alcohol and other drug (AOD) prevention, offering immersive experiences that engage adolescents in risk reflection and health education. VR-based alcohol prevention programmes have been developed and tested mainly in Australia, Denmark and Germany, showing promising results in raising awareness and engagement among adolescents. However, it remains unclear how such digital interventions can be implemented sustainably and equitably across educational and community settings. This study aims to identify enablers and barriers to implementing VR-based AOD prevention programmes in Germany and Australia, fostering cross-national learning and developing scalable digital prevention strategies.
METHODS:
A multi-stage Delphi study was conducted to develop an understanding of implementation factors. First, a semi-standardised online survey in English and German was distributed among experts (e.g. prevention specialists, youth workers, teachers) experienced in AOD prevention in educational or community settings. Responses (n = 37) were analysed thematically to identify recurring issues and divergent positions. The second round refined these through a follow-up survey. Focus groups in both countries brought together stakeholders from practice and policy to validate, contextualise and reach consensus on identified enablers and barriers.
RESULTS:
The Delphi process and stakeholder discussions produced a synthesis of structural, cultural and policy-related factors influencing VR adoption in AOD prevention. Preliminary results highlight realistic and immersive learning experiences, stronger youth engagement during prevention sessions, and high motivational potential as key facilitators. Reported barriers included limited financial and human resources, organisational and technical challenges, insufficient training, and inadequate alignment of VR content with prevention goals. The results will be refined after the entire data analysis has been completed.
CONCLUSIONS:
The framework of enablers and barriers will inform future VR-based AOD prevention strategies. Insights from Germany and Australia can enhance the transferability and scalability of innovative, context-sensitive digital prevention approaches.
Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative tool for alcohol and other drug (AOD) prevention, offering immersive experiences that engage adolescents in risk reflection and health education. VR-based alcohol prevention programmes have been developed and tested mainly in Australia, Denmark and Germany, showing promising results in raising awareness and engagement among adolescents. However, it remains unclear how such digital interventions can be implemented sustainably and equitably across educational and community settings. This study aims to identify enablers and barriers to implementing VR-based AOD prevention programmes in Germany and Australia, fostering cross-national learning and developing scalable digital prevention strategies.
METHODS:
A multi-stage Delphi study was conducted to develop an understanding of implementation factors. First, a semi-standardised online survey in English and German was distributed among experts (e.g. prevention specialists, youth workers, teachers) experienced in AOD prevention in educational or community settings. Responses (n = 37) were analysed thematically to identify recurring issues and divergent positions. The second round refined these through a follow-up survey. Focus groups in both countries brought together stakeholders from practice and policy to validate, contextualise and reach consensus on identified enablers and barriers.
RESULTS:
The Delphi process and stakeholder discussions produced a synthesis of structural, cultural and policy-related factors influencing VR adoption in AOD prevention. Preliminary results highlight realistic and immersive learning experiences, stronger youth engagement during prevention sessions, and high motivational potential as key facilitators. Reported barriers included limited financial and human resources, organisational and technical challenges, insufficient training, and inadequate alignment of VR content with prevention goals. The results will be refined after the entire data analysis has been completed.
CONCLUSIONS:
The framework of enablers and barriers will inform future VR-based AOD prevention strategies. Insights from Germany and Australia can enhance the transferability and scalability of innovative, context-sensitive digital prevention approaches.
| eISSN: | 2654-1459 |
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