Augmented and virtual reality training versus conventional teaching methods for geriatric oral care practices in...

Oral health decline in older adults can lead to nutritional deficiencies and aspiration pneumonia, highlighting the need for ongoing education to strengthen nursing assistants' (NAs) skills in oral care. Traditional training emphasizes knowledge transfer but often neglects practical operations and situational simulations. Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) may offer innovative options to enhance training.

To compare the effectiveness of AR/VR simulation training with conventional teaching methods in improving self-reported oral care practices among NAs.

A randomized controlled trial was conducted. The AR/VR group received 2.5 h of training using AR and VR technology, focusing on standard oral healthcare procedures for physical and oral conditions in older individuals, as well as the toothbrushing technique. The conventional group received a 2.5-hour traditional teaching method for oral care training. Data on oral care-related information were collected using a self-administered questionnaire at baseline and follow-ups. Generalized estimating equations analyzed the differences between the two groups.

A total of 173 NAs were enrolled, with 83 assigned to the AR/VR group and 90 to the conventional group. The NAs in the AR/VR group showed no differences compared to the conventional group in attitude toward oral care, self-efficacy of oral care, behavioral intention of oral care, and oral care practices (all p > .05). However, significantly higher levels of knowledge were found in the conventional group compared to the AR/VR group at 6-month follow-up (β = -0.63, p = .007).

AR and VR training yielded outcomes comparable to conventional methods in oral care practices, attitudes, self-efficacy, and intentions, while knowledge retention favored the conventional group. These findings suggest that AR and VR may be considered a potential alternative for training NAs in geriatric oral care.