Impact of ‘A Walk-Through Dementia’ immersive virtual reality app on care delivered by undergraduate healthcare students: a mixed methods study.

Abstract

Background Virtual reality enables healthcare professionals’ insight into the lived experience of dementia. The ‘A Walk-Through Dementia’ (AWTD) app was implemented in first year undergraduate healthcare students' education. Aim To evaluate students' reaction, learning and influence of the app on clinical practice. Methods The app was used during dementia training sessions. Informed by the Kirkpatrick model for training evaluation, data was obtained (i) on the day through post-training survey (ii) four months after in focus groups. Results Response rate: survey (65%, n=271/414) and focus groups (n=11). Students found the app engaging (83.1%, n=225); reporting deepening dementia understanding (91.9%, n=249). After using the app, students felt they would change their behaviour (77.9%, n=211), approaching care with a more person-centred focus. Conclusion The immersive app improved students' confidence in delivering personalised care. Further research should consider adaptation for students with disabilities and sensory impairments and ensure cultural appropriate content for international relevance.