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Let’s Meet in Their Reality Embodying the World of Dementia
Share PrintVirtual reality (VR) simulations for dementia and Alzheimer's disease provide a dynamic, immersive platform to help participants develop and enhance patient-centered skills, including empathy, perspective-taking, effective communication and critical thinking. Through VR Labs, our participants experience various stages and conditions of dementia and Alzheimer's from the patient's viewpoint. The immersive experience helps care providers gain the knowledge and empathy required to improve the quality of care for patients with dementia.
Origin:
January 2018, Maritza Buenaver, MD
Adoptions:
5 successful
Partners:
Academic Affiliations
Recent Updates
Overview
Problem
Solution
Results
Among seasoned staff, the program yielded a
• 44% increase in understanding the perspective of older adults with hearing and/or vision loss.
• 34% boost in confidence in caring for advanced-stage dementia patients, and a similar rise in confidence in responding to olde ... The pilot significantly enhanced the capabilities of both seasoned staff and trainees.
Among seasoned staff, the program yielded a
• 44% increase in understanding the perspective of older adults with hearing and/or vision loss.
• 34% boost in confidence in caring for advanced-stage dementia patients, and a similar rise in confidence in responding to older adults presenting with Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD).
• 35% increase in how comfortable the staff feels about discussing end-of-life issues.
For trainees, the gains were even more substantial, yielding the following outcomes:
• 98% increase in understanding from the perspective of older adults with sensory loss
• 89% surge in confidence in caring for advanced-stage dementia patients
• 95% growth in their ability to respond effectively to BPSD
• 80% increase in how comfortable the staff feels about discussing end-of-life issues See more
Metrics
- Competence: Knowledge; confidence
- Person-Centered Care: Communication and conflict resolution skills; empowerment to deliver quality of care
- Emotional Intelligence: Empathy; insight
- Cultural Intelligence: Understanding of differences in social cues and language
Diffusion tracker
Does not include Clinical Resource Hubs (CRH)
Implementation
Optional Resources
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Contact
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Email vaimmersive@va.gov with questions about this innovation.
I am CLC Medical director at VA Illiana HCS, VISN 12. We want to adopt this innovation. Please guide us on next steps. My contact chitra.gowda@va.gov