V-CarE—A Conceptual Design Model for Providing COVID-19 Pandemic Awareness: Proposal for a Virtual Reality Design Approach to Facilitate People With Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (Preprint)

Abstract

BACKGROUND Virtual Reality (VR) is an emerging technology with different capabilities in creating 3D simulations and immersion. Various fields have considered the flexibility and compatibility of the involved equipment. Several research outputs in health and education have shown positive outcomes with respect to learning and training through 3D immersive experiences. OBJECTIVE In this paper, we aim to propose a conceptual development model named V-CarE (Virtual Care) that can facilitate the understanding of pandemics when it comes to a crisis, taking precautionary measures where needed, and getting used to certain actions for pandemic spread prevention through habituation METHODS To test the proposed model, we have developed a novel design strategy framework bringing awareness to the user about the current COVID-19 pandemic. Management and development of VR could efficiently support people with health issues and special needs, which motivated our attempts to explore the possibility of employing our proposed model for Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) patients, besides regular users. RESULTS Management and development of VR could efficiently support people with health issues and special needs, which motivated our attempts to explore the possibility of employing our proposed model for Persistent Postural-Perceptual Dizziness (PPPD) patients, besides regular users. PPPD is a persistent non-vertiginous dizziness that could last for three months or more. The purpose of including PPPD patients is to get them engaged in the learning experience and to make them comfortable with VR. CONCLUSIONS We believe this confidence and habituation would help them get engaged with VR for treatment as well as for practising the preventive measures during the current COVID-19 pandemic. Internet of Things (IoT) could be incorporated in the proposed model for achieving a complete 3D immersive experience/environment that would facilitate a significant pathway toward efficient awareness of the pandemic for PPPD patients.