Abstract
Healthcare is a field in which the benefits of virtual reality (VR), such as risk-taking without consequences, direct experience, and service outcome prediction, can be utilized. VR technology has been used to help clients face environmental barriers by implementing a home environment in virtual reality without a home visit by an expert. This scoping review was conducted to identify the areas and implementation methods of the home modification process supported by VR technology. Twelve studies met the research criteria. The following three types of tools supported by VR technology for the home modification process were identified: educational tools for clients or specialists, home environment measurement tools, and intermediaries for decision making and collaboration between clients and specialists. Most of the studies reported positive results regarding the usability and acceptability of the technology, but barriers have also been reported, such as technical problems, inappropriate population groups for technical use, cost-related issues, the need for training, and fear that the technology could replace home visits. Thus, VR technology has potential value in the home modification process. However, for future clinical applications, additional studies to maximize the benefits of these VR technologies and address the identified problems are required.
Highlights
Home modification, as part of occupational therapy (OT) interventions, is a general compensatory strategy used to improve occupational performance and reduce environmental barriers in the home environment of clients with functional limitations [1,2]
The three studies included in this review suggested the possibility of using a virtual reality (VR) interior design app, which enabled the adjustments to the space to be shared and assistive devices to be prescribed with the client, as a tool to support home modification [32,33,34]
This review primarily explored findings in the area of VR technology applications in the home modification process and their aspects, such as usability and acceptability
Summary
As part of occupational therapy (OT) interventions, is a general compensatory strategy used to improve occupational performance and reduce environmental barriers in the home environment of clients with functional limitations [1,2]. It has traditionally been implemented based on the “Person–Environment–Occupation” model, which is a conceptual framework for OT [3]. OT-led environmental assessment and modification generally comprise comprehensive assessments of the individual, their activities of daily living, and their environment and strategic interventions focused on these areas. Studies have reported that home modification by occupational therapists increases clients’ self-awareness of activity performance [9] and their acceptance of the results of home modification [10]
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