3] Rachel Brimelow
Affiliation: University of Queensland
Project Title: Virtual Reality for Residential Aged Care - effects on engagement, mood states, anxiety, agitation and psychotropic medication use: a feasibility controlled trial
Award $4,837.76
Aims of project:
This controlled trial aims to determine the feasibility of virtual reality as a non- pharmacological approach to improve mood states within Residential Aged Care. Specifically, we aim to determine the effects of virtual reality on:
Mood as measured through the use of observer and participant ratings of emotional response, apathy, and group engagement
Agitation, anxiety, and depression levels
Psychotropic prescribing and the administration of pro re nata (PRN) medications
We hypothesize that group based VR sessions will increase resident engagement and social interactions, reduce agitation, anxiety and apathy, and improve mental wellbeing.
Based on the finding of the pilot study we have conducted we anticipate results that have the potential to change the landscape of leisure and lifestyle activities conducted in RAC homes, and to supplement our current knowledge of non-pharmacological approaches for RAC resident mental wellbeing.