EXPANDING WORLDS: ASSESSING STRATEGIES TO IMPLEMENTING A VIRTUAL REALITY PROGRAM IN RESPITE CARE

Abstract

Abstract Virtual reality (VR) is an immersive experience that simulates real or imagined environments and provides an innovative solution to social isolation and loneliness. Implementation science was used to identify barriers and facilitators to implementing a novel VR intervention as part of a community-based participatory research project at Lifespan of Rochester within their Partners in Care (PIC) volunteer respite program. The VR intervention will be facilitated by PIC staff and volunteers with caregivers of community-dwelling persons living with dementia (PLwD) receiving respite services. A mixed-methods design was used to identify perceived barriers and facilitators to implementation. Focus groups and self-administered surveys were completed by PIC staff (Nf10) to assess their thoughts and concerns related to program implementation. Surveys included validated measures to assess self-rated ability to perform VR functional components, attitudes toward VR, beliefs on the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of the VR program, effectiveness of improving comfort, confidence, and preparedness of facilitators. Identified barriers included lack of VR knowledge, skills, and confidence in capabilities; concerns related to safety, confusion, and triggers for PLwD; and the need to strengthen buy-in from staff. Implementation strategies were selected from the Expert Recommendations for Change project and tailored to support effective uptake and behavior change among PIC staff and volunteers. Identified evidence-based strategies included training and shadowing opportunities, identifying champions, and developing a trauma-informed approach manual. These findings illustrate the need to carefully examine organizational factors that can impede the implementation. The benefits of this approach and the lessons learned will be discussed.