133The Great Escape: Virtual Reality as a Complementary Therapy in the Elderly in Residential Settings, a Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive artificial environment experienced through audiovisual stimuli generated using interactive technology. Numerous medical fields use VR, including pain management1 and rehabilitation2. Some VR studies have examined dementia treatment and diagnosis, there is little evidence in its use regarding mood or quality-of-life. This prospective pilot study aimed to examine the effect of bespoke VR software on the mood of residents with and without cognitive impairment in a Long Term Care (LTC) setting. Methods: Participants were recruited from LTC. Inclusion criteria included an MMSE of >15. Written informed consent was obtained from all subjects or proxy with patient consent. Each participant completed Likert questionnaires before and after the VR session. Nursing staff answered a validated questionnaire (QUALIDEM) measuring subjects QOL before and 1 week after the session. VR environment was administered via Oculus VR headset. Patients had a choice of any/all of 4 separate scenes. Exposure time was limited at 30 minutes. Results: 23 participants were recruited. 7 Males, and 16 Females. Mean age 80.87 (SD 6.85), and MMSE 21.38(SD 5.423). 95.7% of patients enjoyed the experience, 73.9% wanted further sessions. Nurse reported Qualidem on 14 patients improved across all positive domains (Mean 82.2-88.6, SD 21.19 - 19.20, p =.4759) Conclusion: Patient experience was almost uniformly positive. Subjectively patients reported improved mood, and many desired further sessions in VR. Nursing staff reported improved mood and QOL in subjects. Further prospective studies with repeated exposures to VR environments are warranted, with ongoing assessment of mood and behaviour.