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Expectations of a virtual reality program for older adults with dementia in hospitals: Perspectives of patient partners, families, staff, and care leaders
Ren,Lily Haopu Liu,Grace Yaqian Nolte,Julia Wu,Catherine Kholmatov,Sena Mann,Jim Wallsworth,Christine Wong,Lily Schaffner,Kennedy Ben Mortenson,W.
Ren,Lily Haopu
Liu,Grace Yaqian
Nolte,Julia
Wu,Catherine
Kholmatov,Sena
Mann,Jim
Wallsworth,Christine
Wong,Lily
Schaffner,Kennedy
Ben Mortenson,W.
Abstract
Background Emerging evidence suggests that virtual reality (VR) technology can potentially improve the wellbeing of older adults living with dementia in hospital care units. Nevertheless, older patients are often excluded from VR opportunities. Meaningful engagement of patient partners, family caregivers, staff, and care leaders is needed to ensure the appropriate development and implementation of these programs. Objective To understand the expectations of patient partners, families, staff, and care leaders regarding development and implementation of a VR program for patients with dementia in hospitals. Method Drawing on principles of Collaborative Action Research and underpinned by the Person-Centred Framework, we conducted qualitative focus groups and interviews with 42 individuals including 7 patients, 9 family members, 17 frontline staff members and 9 organizational leaders. Results We performed a thematic analysis and identified three interconnected themes: (1) anticipating positive functions and outcomes, (2) considerations on VR program implementation, and (3) desired VR features for patients with dementia. Conclusion This study explored multiple partners' needs and priorities on a VR program in hospitals, emphasizing the pivotal role of multipartner collaboration and supportive care environment essential for delivering a person-centred VR experience. Future studies are recommended to further the investigation by deploying and evaluating a person-centred VR program for patients with dementia in hospital settings through collaboration with multiple partners.
Description
Date
2025
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Research Projects
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Journal Issue
Keywords
Co-create, Collaborative Action Research, Care leaders, Dementia, Family caregivers, Hospitals, Older adults, Patient partner, Staff, Virtual reality
Citation
Ren, L H, Liu, G Y, Nolte, J, Wu, C, Kholmatov, S, Mann, J, Wallsworth, C, Wong, L, Schaffner, K, Ben Mortenson, W, Lim, A, Boger, J & Hung, L 2025, 'Expectations of a virtual reality program for older adults with dementia in hospitals : Perspectives of patient partners, families, staff, and care leaders', Digital Health, vol. 11. https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076251382099