The Redesign and Validation of Multimodal Motion-Assisted Memory Desensitization and Reconsolidation Hardware and...

Area of Science:

• Trauma and Resilience Research
• Virtual Reality in Mental Health
• Therapeutic Intervention Development

Background:

• Persistent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms affect over 66% of military members post-treatment.
• There is a critical need for innovative and accessible PTSD treatments.
• Multimodal motion-assisted memory desensitization and reconsolidation (3MDR) is a virtual reality-supported therapy for treatment-resistant PTSD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To innovate, develop, and validate hardware and software components of 3MDR.
• To enhance the mobility, accessibility, feasibility, and applicability of 3MDR for diverse trauma-affected populations, including public safety personnel (PSP).
• To foster international collaboration for 3MDR adaptation.

Main Methods:

• Modified Delphi expert consultation method and mixed methods quasi-experimental validation.
• International expert collaboration (Netherlands, US, Canada) since September 2020.
• Software validation with 35 PSP participants (first responders, healthcare providers).

Main Results:

• Evolution of 3MDR hardware and software components, including new software development.
• PSP participants confirmed the applicability and feasibility of the new 3MDR software for trauma within their professions.
• Key themes identified: need for occupationally tailored environments, individually tailored immersion, and broader applicability beyond military populations.

Conclusions:

• The modified Delphi consultation and validation study support 3MDR as a viable intervention.
• PSP participants recognized 3MDR's relevance for trauma populations beyond military members and veterans.
• Further innovation and adaptation of 3MDR are essential to increase effectiveness, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness for diverse trauma-affected groups.