Developing a Dyadic Immersive Virtual Environment Technology Intervention for Persons Living With Dementia and Their...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Psychosocial Interventions

Background:

• Persons with dementia and caregivers face significant emotional health challenges.
• Shared pleasant activities are crucial for well-being in dementia-caregiver dyads.
• Immersive virtual environment technology (IVET) shows promise for artificial sensory experiences in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a preliminary IVET intervention for psychosocial health in person living with dementia-caregiver dyads.
• To identify design considerations and user preferences for technology-based dementia interventions.
• To ensure the safety and usability of emerging IVET for dementia care.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 5 rounds of focus groups with clinicians, caregivers, and persons living with dementia to evaluate safety and usability.
• Developed a prototype IVET intervention based on focus group feedback.
• Engaged 9 dyads of caregivers and persons living with dementia in beta testing workshops for refinement.

Main Results:

• Focus groups highlighted the need for flexible design, consideration of dyad needs, and accommodation of illness/aging challenges.
• Workshops revealed a need for increased user support through feedback and greater variety in visual/auditory feedback.
• User feedback guided the refinement of the IVET prototype for enhanced engagement.

Conclusions:

• A prototype IVET intervention, the Isle of TEND, was developed using a user-centered approach.
• The prototype incorporates specific design features to enhance safety, usability, and engagement for persons with dementia and their caregivers.
• Further feasibility testing of the Isle of TEND intervention is recommended.