A Virtual Reality Training Tool to Improve Weight-Related Communication across Healthcare Settings

Abstract

Introduction: Discussing overweight or obesity in healthcare settings is a sensitive topic but it presents a global health challenge. Healthcare professionals (HCP) cite a lack of training and there are few studies on the practice of sensitive communication skills needed to engage patients. Using Virtual Reality (VR) as a training tool is a safe and immersive way to acquire the skills needed. Methods: This research is a mixed method 5-phase study to design, develop and test the feasibility of a VR-based training approach to improve weight-related communication in healthcare settings. The training will use a novel wizard-of-oz (WOZ) experimentation technique. Outcome: The anticipated outcome of this PhD is the development and feasibility testing of a VR-based training tool to improve weight-related communication with patients who are overweight and obese in healthcare settings.