The promise of virtual and augmented reality for optimizing community engagement in driving health equity solutions

A growing number of studies have highlighted the importance of data visualization when utilizing mixed-methods approaches within community-based participatory research (CBPR). One such CBPR-derived method - Our Voice - employs a citizen-science (CS) framework that leverages mobile technology to improve health outcomes for residents from diverse communities. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are two cutting-edge technologies that have been cited as potential tools to enhance data visualization and solution-building processes in Our Voice and similar community-facing methods. However, their utilization in such projects remains limited. In the present study, we report the first integration of VR and AR into two Our Voice projects and examine their feasibility and perceived utility within community-engaged settings.

VR/AR technology was integrated into two Our Voice projects: (1) a project with adult unpaid care workers in Ciudad Bolívar, Bogotá, Colombia, and (2) a project with high school students in Half Moon Bay, CA, United States. In both settings, 360-degree simulations were integrated into a newly refined five-step Our Voice method, which included an "Imagine" step. Post-surveys assessed community members' attitudes toward VR/AR using a six-point Likert scale. Data were descriptively analyzed.

Research using the Our Voice method revealed the integration of VR/AR resulted in citizen scientists and local stakeholders reporting VR/AR enhanced their ability to visualize community-level facilitators and barriers to leading healthy lives. Additionally, participants reported an increase in confidence in the potential of VR/AR to facilitate the development of innovative community-facing solutions to various issues around their neighborhoods.

The findings from these pilot investigations suggest that VR/AR holds the promise in contributing to relevant advocacy changes across diverse communities, stakeholders, and problem areas. Future studies should explore developing user-friendly software that bridge data visualization and digital solution-building for broader community and organizational engagement.