Efficacy of VR Educational Program on Empathy and Attitudes Toward Dementia in Caregivers

Taipei Medical University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Caregiver Burden; Dementia

Treatments: Behavioral: Virtual reality dementia simulation with guided reflection; Behavioral: Traditional dementia education (lecture)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06072274

N202308052

Details and patient eligibility

About

This randomized controlled trial evaluated a single-session virtual reality (VR) dementia simulation with guided small-group reflection compared with a time-matched, instructor-led lecture. A total of 227 caregivers of people with a formal diagnosis of dementia were enrolled and randomized. Empathy and attitudes toward dementia were assessed at baseline, immediately after the session, and 1 month after the session. Caregiver burden and psychological distress were assessed at baseline and 1 month after the session.

Full description

This study used a parallel, two-arm randomized controlled design to evaluate a VR-based dementia simulation for caregiver education. A total of 227 caregivers of people with a formal diagnosis of dementia were enrolled and randomized to either (1) a single 3-hour VR dementia simulation delivered in three consecutive segments, each followed by guided small-group reflection (intervention), or (2) an instructor-led dementia education lecture of equal duration (control). Empathy and attitudes toward dementia were assessed at baseline, immediately post-session, and 1 month post-session. Caregiver burden and psychological distress were assessed at baseline and 1 month post-session.

Enrollment: 227 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 20 to 100 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. Over 20 years;
2. Speak Chinese;
3. Currently providing care to a person with a formal diagnosis of dementia (paid formal caregivers or unpaid family caregivers).

Exclusion criteria

1. Those who are unable to use VR devices due to certain physical or mental situations;
2. Those who have fear/disgust for VR devices;
3. Those who feel dizzy after using VR devices;
4. For family caregivers: the care recipient is currently residing in a care facility.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

---

227 participants in 2 patient groups

Virtual reality dementia simulation with guided reflection

Experimental group

Description:

A single 3-hour virtual reality (VR) dementia simulation delivered in three consecutive segments, each followed by guided small-group reflection.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Virtual reality dementia simulation with guided reflection

Traditional dementia education (lecture)

Active Comparator group

Description:

Traditional dementia education (lecture) of equal duration.

Treatment:

Behavioral: Traditional dementia education (lecture)