Efficacy of Virtual Reality Educational Program on Empathy and Attitudes Toward Dementia in Caregivers
Overview
- Phase
- Not Applicable
- Intervention
- Virtual reality dementia simulation with guided reflection
- Conditions
- Dementia
- Sponsor
- Taipei Medical University
- Enrollment
- 227
- Locations
- 1
- Primary Endpoint
- Change in empathy, measured by Jefferson Scale of Empathy
- Status
- Completed
- Last Updated
- 3 months ago
Overview
Brief Summary
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.
Detailed 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.
Investigators
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria
- •Over 20 years;
- •Speak Chinese;
- •Currently providing care to a person with a formal diagnosis of dementia (paid formal caregivers or unpaid family caregivers).
Exclusion Criteria
- •Those who are unable to use VR devices due to certain physical or mental situations;
- •Those who have fear/disgust for VR devices;
- •Those who feel dizzy after using VR devices;
- •For family caregivers: the care recipient is currently residing in a care facility.
Arms & Interventions
Virtual reality dementia simulation with guided reflection
A single 3-hour virtual reality (VR) dementia simulation delivered in three consecutive segments, each followed by guided small-group reflection.
Intervention: Virtual reality dementia simulation with guided reflection
Traditional dementia education (lecture)
Traditional dementia education (lecture) of equal duration.
Intervention: Traditional dementia education (lecture)
Outcomes
Primary Outcomes
Change in empathy, measured by Jefferson Scale of Empathy
Time Frame: Immediate post-session
Empathy is one of the major outcomes which we expect to be improved after the VR education program on dementia. The Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE): This scale is used to assess the empathy in caregivers. It is rated on a Likert seven-point scale, with 1 indicating strongly disagree and 7 indicating strongly agree. The scale consists of 20 items and is divided into three major dimensions: perspective taking, compassionate care, and standing in the patient's shoes. The total score ranges from 20 to 140, with higher scores indicating a more positive level of empathy.
Change in empathy, measured by Jefferson Scale of Empathy at 1 month
Time Frame: 1 month post-session
Empathy is one of the major outcomes which we expect to be improved after the VR education program on dementia. The Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE): This scale is used to assess the empathy in caregivers. It is rated on a Likert seven-point scale, with 1 indicating strongly disagree and 7 indicating strongly agree. The scale consists of 20 items and is divided into three major dimensions: perspective taking, compassionate care, and standing in the patient's shoes. The total score ranges from 20 to 140, with higher scores indicating a more positive level of empathy.
Change in attitude, measured by Approach to Dementia Questionnaire
Time Frame: Immediate post-session
Approach is one of the major outcomes which we expect to be improved after the VR education program on dementia. The Approach to Dementia Questionnaire (ADQ) is used to assess attitudes toward dementia care. The questionnaire consists of two dimensions: hope and person-centeredness, with a total of 19 items. It is rated on a Likert five-point scale, with 1 indicating strongly disagree and 5 indicating strongly agree. The total score ranges from 19 to 95, with higher scores indicating a more positive attitude of caregivers toward dementia care.
Change in attitude, measured by Approach to Dementia Questionnaire at 1 month
Time Frame: 1 month post-session
Approach is one of the major outcomes which we expect to be improved after the VR education program on dementia. The Approach to Dementia Questionnaire (ADQ) is used to assess attitudes toward dementia care. The questionnaire consists of two dimensions: hope and person-centeredness, with a total of 19 items. It is rated on a Likert five-point scale, with 1 indicating strongly disagree and 5 indicating strongly agree. The total score ranges from 19 to 95, with higher scores indicating a more positive attitude of caregivers toward dementia care.
Secondary Outcomes
- Change in Caregivers' burden, measured by Zarit Burden Interview(Baseline and 1 month post-session)
- Caregivers' mental health status, measured by Brief Symptom Rating Scale-5(Baseline and 1 month post-session)