Facilitators and barriers to using virtual reality and augmented reality and its impact on social engagement in aged care settings: a scoping review protocol

Abstract

IntroductionIncreasingly more studies are being conducted on the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in aged care settings. These technologies can decrease experiences of loneliness which is especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the growing interest in using VR/AR in care settings among older adults, a comprehensive review of studies examining the facilitators and barriers of adopting VR/AR in these settings is needed. This scoping review will focus on facilitators and barriers related to VR/AR in care settings among older adults, as well as the impact on social engagement and/or loneliness.Methods and analysisWe will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology. We will search the following databases: CINHAL, Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science. Additional articles will be handpicked from reference lists of included articles. Inclusion criteria includes articles that focus on older adults using VR or AR in aged care settings. Our team (which includes patient and family partners, an academic nurse researcher, a clinical lead and trainees) will be involved in the search, review and analysis process.Ethics and disseminationWe will be collecting data from publicly available articles for this scoping review, so ethics approval is not required. By providing a comprehensive overview of the current evidence on the strategies, facilitators, and barriers of using VR/AR in aged care settings, findings will offer insights and recommendations for future research and practice to better implement VR/AR. The results of this scoping review will be shared through conference presentations and an open-access publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Staff perceptions towards virtual reality-motivated treadmill exercise for care home residents: a qualitative feedback study with key stakeholders and follow-up interview with technology developer

“…There have been increasing numbers of studies exploring VR use within care settings. 8 Here we report a study of a VR and omnidirectional treadmill system, MOTUS Adventure (MOTUS, formerly known as ROVR), designed for older adults. 9 The system is designed to motivate activity by physically navigating virtual environments that have meaning for the users.…”

“…16 It should also be considered, however, that some concerns have been raised about the use of VR with older adults. 8 For example, older adults can have visionrelated challenges, and motion sickness in VR specifically for older adults should be thoroughly explored in research with end-users. Future research should consider how to achieve the intended exercise intensity and access to heritage and culture while ensuring resident comfort over suitable durations of VR use.…”

“…One technology of interest in supporting older people with meaningful activity, motivating exercise and encouraging social connectivity is virtual reality (VR). There have been increasing numbers of studies exploring VR use within care settings 8. Here we report a study of a VR and omnidirectional treadmill system, MOTUS Adventure (MOTUS, formerly known as ROVR), designed for older adults 9.…”

“…The opportunity for reminiscence brings additional well-being potential, with reminiscence thought to provide stimulation, enjoyment, a sense of self-worth and achievement 16. It should also be considered, however, that some concerns have been raised about the use of VR with older adults 8. For example, older adults can have vision-related challenges, and motion sickness in VR specifically for older adults should be thoroughly explored in research with end-users.…”