Evaluating a virtual reality dementia training experience using psychophysiological methods: A randomised controlled...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology and Dementia Care
• Nursing Education Technology
• Virtual Reality Applications

Background:

• Virtual reality (VR) is emerging as a training tool for the dementia care workforce.
• The comparative effectiveness of VR versus traditional methods for improving dementia care skills among practicing nurses remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the impact of an interactive VR training application against traditional video-based training on nurses' knowledge and attitudes towards dementia care.
• To assess the emotional engagement and learning outcomes associated with VR versus video training.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-two nurses were randomized to either VR or video training.
• Knowledge, attitudes, and person-centeredness were assessed using pre- and post-training surveys.
• Training engagement was measured objectively via facial electromyography and subjectively through self-report scales.

Main Results:

• VR training elicited significantly greater positive and negative emotional responses compared to video training.
• While self-reported engagement was similar, objective measures showed higher emotional engagement with VR.
• The video training group demonstrated an improvement in dementia knowledge, whereas the VR group showed no significant change.

Conclusions:

• VR training offers higher emotional engagement for experienced dementia care practitioners compared to traditional methods.
• Current VR training may not be superior to traditional techniques for enhancing dementia knowledge and attitudes in all learners.
• Future research should explore leveraging VR's emotional engagement to improve dementia care training for the nursing workforce.