A virtual reality intervention to improve the understanding and empathy for people with dementia in informal caregivers: results of a pilot study

Eva M. Wijma, Marjolein A. Veerbeek*, Marleen Prins, Anne Margriet Pot, Bernadette M. Willemse

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Objective: Informal caregivers often experience psychological distress due to the changing functioning of the person with dementia they care for. Improved understanding of the person with dementia reduces psychological distress. To enhance understanding and empathy in caregivers, an innovative technology virtual reality intervention Through the D'mentia Lens (TDL) was developed to experience dementia, consisting of a virtual reality simulation movie and e-course. A pilot study of TDL was conducted. Methods: A pre-test–post-test design was used. Informal caregivers filled out questionnaires assessing person-centeredness, empathy, perceived pressure from informal care, perceived competence and quality of the relationship. At post-test, additional questions about TDL's feasibility were asked. Results: Thirty-five caregivers completed the pre-test and post-test. Most participants were satisfied with TDL and stated that TDL gave more insight in the perception of the person with dementia. The simulation movie was graded 8.03 out of 10 and the e-course 7.66. Participants significantly improved in empathy, confidence in caring for the person with dementia, and positive interactions with the person with dementia. Conclusion: TDL is feasible for informal caregivers and seems to lead to understanding of and insight in the experience of people with dementia. Therefore, TDL could support informal caregivers in their caregiving role.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1115-1123
Number of pages9
JournalAging and Mental Health
Volume22
Issue number9
Early online date10 Jul 2018
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Sept 2018

Funding

Dutch Alzheimer's Society [grant number WE.13-2014-15]. Through the D'mentia Lens was developed in collaboration with Into D'mentia. This work was supported by the Dutch Alzheimer's Society. Through the D’mentia Lens was developed in collaboration with Into D’mentia. This work was supported by the Dutch Alzheimer’s Society.

FundersFunder number
Dutch Alzheimer's SocietyWE.13-2014-15
Dutch Alzheimer’s Society

    Keywords

    • Dementia
    • e-learning course
    • empathy
    • informal caregivers
    • virtual reality

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'A virtual reality intervention to improve the understanding and empathy for people with dementia in informal caregivers: results of a pilot study'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this