VR-Based Intervention for Caregiving Competence in Dementia (VRE-ABC)

Mackay Medical College

Status: Invitation-only

Conditions: Competence

Treatments: Device: Virtual Reality Education for Dementia Caregivers

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06797180

MOST 111-2314-B-715-004-MY3 (Other Grant/Funding Number)

MMC-RD-112-1B-P004

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a VR-based educational intervention designed to improve the dementia caregiving abilities of formal caregivers in residential care homes. The intervention focuses on enhancing caregivers' knowledge and skills in managing behavioral symptoms of dementia through immersive VR scenarios, group discussions, and evidence-based management strategies, with the goal of better equipping them to provide high-quality care for residents with dementia.

Full description

Background:

Agitated behaviors, such as aggression, care resistance, and wandering, are common in dementia and present significant challenges for formal caregivers in long-term care (LTC) facilities. These behaviors often stem from unmet needs, such as pain, discomfort, or communication barriers, contributing to caregiver stress and reduced care quality. Virtual reality (VR) technology offers an immersive, first-person experience that enables caregivers to better understand triggers of agitated behaviors, empathize with residents' experiences, and improve their caregiving abilities.

Purpose:

This study aims to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a VR-based educational intervention for formal caregivers in residential care homes. Specifically, the study compares two groups: (1) an experimental group receiving both a 100-minute behavioral and psychological symptom (BPSD) foundational education and an additional 100-minute VR training program, and (2) a control group receiving only the 100-minute BPSD foundational education. The study evaluates three outcomes: (1) dementia care competence, (2) confidence in caregiving, and (3) self-reported frequency of BPSD assessment and management at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and two-week follow-up.

Methods:

The VR scenarios and training intervention were developed through a systematic literature review, four focus group interviews with formal caregivers, and pilot testing in a residential LTC facility in Northern Taiwan. A single-blind randomized controlled trial with repeated measures design was conducted across six LTC facilities. The experimental group received 100 minutes of BPSD foundational education, covering an overview of BPSD, identification of common symptoms, strategies for managing BPSD, and the role of caregivers. Additionally, they participated in 100 minutes of VR-based training, which included 20 minutes of immersive VR scenarios to experience at least two types of BPSD, 20 minutes of group discussion to share practical strategies, 20 minutes of evidence-based explanation of management techniques, 15 minutes for scenario reflection, and 25 minutes for Q&A and summarization. The control group, however, only received the 100-minute BPSD foundational education without the VR component. Resident data, including demographics, medical conditions, and Barthel Index scores, were collected. Outcome measures included the Dementia Competence Scale (DCS) , self-reported confidence in caregiving and weekly self-reported BPSD assessment and management frequencies. Data analysis utilized SPSS 25.0, applying descriptive statistics and mixed linear models to examine within- and between-group improvements over time.

Enrollment: 120 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 80 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

1. Aged 18 years or older.
2. Able to communicate in Mandarin or Taiwanese.
3. A formal caregiver of individuals with dementia.
4. At least one month of work experience in the residential care facility.

Exclusion criteria

1. Caregivers who do not meet the above inclusion criteria.
2. Individuals who are unable or unwilling to provide informed consent.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Other

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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120 participants in 2 patient groups

This group will receive BPSD foundational education followed by VR-based training.

Experimental group

Description:

The intervention consists of two components: 1. BPSD Foundational Education: A 100-minute educational session covering an overview of BPSD, identification of common symptoms, strategies for managing BPSD, and the role of caregivers. 2. VR-based Training: A 100-minute VR-based training, including 20 minutes of immersive VR scenarios to experience at least two types of BPSD, 20 minutes of group discussion to share practical strategies, and 20 minutes of evidence-based explanation of management techniques, 15 minutes for scenario reflection, and 25 minutes for Q\&A and summarization.

Treatment:

Device: Virtual Reality Education for Dementia Caregivers

This group will only receive BPSD foundational education.

No Intervention group

Description:

The control group will only receive the 100-minute BPSD foundational education, which covers the same topics as the experimental group but without the VR-based training.