BACKGROUND
Virtual reality (VR), a simulated experience that can be similar to or completely different from the real world, has become increasingly useful within the psychiatric and medical fields. This VR technology has been applied in medical school trainings, exposure therapy for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and Reminiscence Therapy associated with mood disorders for older adults. Perceptions about VR from the healthcare provider lens requires further exploration. VR has grown in popularity; however, this modality continues to be underutilized in most Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals.
OBJECTIVE
A quality improvement online survey was used to explore healthcare provider perceptions of VR availability and use in older adults as well as to identify potential barriers for VR use in older adults with cognitive impairment.
METHODS
An 8-item online survey was developed to obtain healthcare provider feedback. This survey was disseminated throughout a single Veterans Integrated Services Network (VISN). The VR survey was developed via the Survey Monkey© platform and distributed through the secure VA email network. Providers were asked to voluntarily participate in the brief, anonymous survey and offer their perceptions of VR use within their patient population. Survey data was reviewed and interpreted using descriptive statistics.
RESULTS
A total of 49 respondents completed the survey over a 15-day period. Thirty-six respondents (73%) had heard of a VR device; though the majority 44 (90%) had never used or prescribed a VR device. Respondents identified several potential barriers to VR use in older adults with cognitive impairment (e.g., hearing difficulties, perceptions of technology, cognitive concerns, access to resources and visual impairment). Despite the barriers identified, providers still reported that they would feel comfortable prescribing VR as an intervention for their patient population (98%).
CONCLUSIONS
Survey findings revealed healthcare providers within this VA VISN have heard of VR; though, may have not actively engaged in its use. The majority of providers reported that they would prescribe use of a VR intervention for their older adult patients. This key point highlights the desire to implement VR strategies for patient use by their providers. If underlying barriers can be addressed and relatively resolved, this technological intervention has the potential to create substantial breakthroughs in clinical care.
CLINICALTRIAL
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