The barriers of accepting Virtual Reality in Healthcare by older generation.

Abstract

Acute pain causes great anxiety in patients and is a significant challenge for the NHS staff. Chronic pain is a burden to the UK economy and causes substantial disability. Pain management is predicted to increase within the aging population in the UK. At the moment Pharmaceutical pain management techniques are commonly used, which are not only costly, but also resulting in significant side effects. Virtual Reality is an acceptable complement with minimal side effect. However there have been resistance in using VR amongst elderly population. This study explores the existing attitude and challenges expressed by elderly population in using VR technology for pain management. The study followed an experimental design and the finding indicated that pre-existing knowledge and experience of pain and VR, alongside the perceived ease of use and perceived usefulness of the technology has an impact on elderly’s attitude and adoption of VR technology.