The feasibility of VR with PLWD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Bringing the outside in: The feasibility of Virtual Reality with Individuals living with dementia in a Secure Hospital environment
IRAS ID
229818
Contact name
Keith Jenkins
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
St Andrew's Healthcare
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, days
Research summary
Background
Research to date provides evidence that supports the feasibility of virtual reality (VR) with people who have mild to moderate dementia living in the community or residential homes. Research is yet to explore the feasibility of VR and the effects on wellbeing in individuals with moderate to severe dementia in secure hospital settings using fully immersive VR; where behaviour that challenges is not uncommon.
Aim
This study will explore the feasibility of a VR intervention in individuals with moderate to severe dementia in a secure in-patient environment.
Method
There will be a selection of different virtual environments the participant or their carer can select based on their preference. i.e. a beach; a country walk. Participants will have the opportunity to engage with the VR for a maximum of 15 minutes.
The researchers will measure wellbeing by observing the participants 15 minutes before the VR intervention, during the VR intervention and 15 minutes after the VR intervention using the Observed Emotion Rating Scale. Semi-structured interviews will explore the perceptions of staff and individuals with dementia (where possible) regarding the feasibility of the VR equipment and the overall VR experience. Perceived wellbeing will also be measured by conducting semi-structured interviews with staff. Interviews will be analysed using thematic analysis to establish common themes of discussion. Behaviour that challenges will also be recorded 15 minutes prior, during and 15 minutes after the VR intervention in people with dementia. VR users will be video recorded in order to complete the above data analysis. Interviews will be audio recorded for data analysis and all data will be stored in a locked filing cabinet or a password protected computer, both of which will only be accessible to the research assistant, and research supervisors. Once data analysis is complete video and audio recordings will be deleted.REC name
London - Camden & Kings Cross Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/LO/1477
Date of REC Opinion
7 Nov 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion