Virtual reality as a patient education tool in healthcare: a scoping review
Files
Date
2022
Authors
van der Kruk, S.R.
Zielinski, R.
MacDougall, H.
Hughes Barton, D.
Gunn, K.M.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Patient Education and Counseling, 2022; 105(7):1928-1942
Statement of Responsibility
Conference Name
Abstract
Objective: To explore what is currently known about the use of virtual reality (VR) as a patient education tool in healthcare. Methods: Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review method and the PRISMA-ScR Checklist were employed. Four peer-reviewed databases were searched (Medline, Embase, PsychINFO, the Cochrane library). Pre-defined selection criteria identified 18 studies for inclusion. Results were synthesized using a narrative approach.
Results: VR as an educational tool in healthcare is feasible and acceptable, and may improve patient’s knowledge about their illness and satisfaction with treatment. Most studies used the Oculus VR glasses or headset, educated patients though the use of 3D 360° VR anatomical models, and were conducted with people affected with cancer. Opportunities exist for exploring unintended consequences, and the role of VR in educating populations with lower health literacy.
Conclusion: VR could assist in communicating medical information and knowledge to patients, but more research is needed, particularly to identify for whom and in what situations this method is most useful and to improve understanding about the potential unintended consequences. Practice implications: Health professionals should consider using VR to educate their patients, and researchers can use this as a road map on how to address knowledge gaps in this field.
School/Discipline
Dissertation Note
Provenance
Description
Data source: Supplementary material, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pec.2022.02.005
Access Status
Rights
Copyright 2022 Elsevier
Access Condition Notes: Accepted manuscript available after 1 April 2023