Dataset Information

Smartphone-Based Virtual and Augmented Reality Implicit Association Training (VARIAT) for Reducing Implicit Biases Toward Patients Among Health Care Providers: App Development and Pilot Testing.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Implicit bias is as prevalent among health care professionals as among the wider population and is significantly associated with lower health care quality.

Objective

The study goal was to develop and evaluate the preliminary efficacy of an innovative mobile app, VARIAT (Virtual and Augmented Reality Implicit Association Training), to reduce implicit biases among Medicaid providers.

Methods

An interdisciplinary team developed 2 interactive case-based training modules for Medicaid providers focused on implicit bias related to race and socioeconomic status (SES) and sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI), respectively. The simulations combine experiential learning, facilitated debriefing, and game-based educational strategies. Medicaid providers (n=18) participated in this pilot study. Outcomes were measured on 3 domains: training reactions, affective knowledge, and skill-based knowledge related to implicit biases in race/SES or SOGI.

Results

Participants reported high relevance of training to their job for both the race/SES module (mean score 4.75, SD 0.45) and SOGI module (mean score 4.67, SD 0.50). Significant improvement in skill-based knowledge for minimizing health disparities for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer patients was found after training (Cohen d=0.72; 95% CI -1.38 to -0.04).

Conclusions

This study developed an innovative smartphone-based implicit bias training program for Medicaid providers and conducted a pilot evaluation on the user experience and preliminary efficacy. Preliminary evidence showed positive satisfaction and preliminary efficacy of the intervention.

SUBMITTER: Shen J

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11004623 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

ACCESS DATA

Publications

Smartphone-Based Virtual and Augmented Reality Implicit Association Training (VARIAT) for Reducing Implicit Biases Toward Patients Among Health Care Providers: App Development and Pilot Testing.

Shen Jiabin J Clinton Alex J AJ Penka Jeffrey J Gregory Megan E ME Sova Lindsey L Pfeil Sheryl S Patterson Jeremy J Maa Tensing T

JMIR serious games 20240307

<h4>Background</h4>Implicit bias is as prevalent among health care professionals as among the wider population and is significantly associated with lower health care quality.<h4>Objective</h4>The study goal was to develop and evaluate the preliminary efficacy of an innovative mobile app, VARIAT (Virtual and Augmented Reality Implicit Association Training), to reduce implicit biases among Medicaid providers.<h4>Methods</h4>An interdisciplinary team developed 2 interactive case-based training modu ...[more]

PMID: 38488662

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Project description:BackgroundTo the best of our knowledge, no specialized research has been conducted to address ailurophobia (fear of cats) in Iran or globally. This has driven our project, along with the prevalence of ailurophobia and the absence of a gamified virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) that incorporates affordable and easily accessible biofeedback (BF) tools. We hypothesize that a gamified VRET augmented with BF will yield more positive effects than a similar device lacking BF.ObjectiveThis study primarily focuses on the development and preliminary evaluation of a smartphone-gamified VRET integrated with BF, targeting animal phobia, with a specific case study on ailurophobia. The secondary objectives are using affordable and readily available BF found in devices such as smart bands and smartwatches and creating a mobile virtual reality gamified app to improve patients' adherence to treatments while simultaneously enhancing the app's accessibility, scalability, and outreach.MethodsEvaluations encompassed 3 methods. First, we identified the tool's potential positive effects on phobia interventions, exploring 4 effects: intrinsic motivation, simulation of fearful situations, management of stressful circumstances without therapists' presence and mitigation of catastrophic thoughts, and preliminary effects on ailurophobia treatment. Participants were divided into BF and non-BF groups. Second, we gathered user preferences and opinions about the treatment. Third, we conducted heuristic evaluations using 44 heuristics from existing system usability scales assessing user interfaces, virtual reality platforms, and video games' playability. To interpret the data, mean scores; ANOVA, single factor; and ANOVA, 2-factor with replication were used. A total of 29 individuals were identified, of which 10 met the eligibility criteria or were accessible.ResultsThe smartphone-gamified VRET augmented with BF exhibited better results on the identified effects compared with the non-BF version and contributed to normalizing encounters with cats. Moreover, 41 of the 44 heuristics achieved a percentage above 62%, indicating its potential as a therapeutic product and its ability to enhance patient adherence to treatments. Patient preferences on the treatment and its strengths and weaknesses were provided for further improvement.ConclusionsThe tool has the potential to evolve into a comprehensive solution by incorporating various types of cats and their behaviors, simulating environments in which they are commonly found, and enhancing its appeal through an increased sense of adventure without inducing unrealistic fears. By adapting fear elements, the game can be tailored to treat various animal phobias. Phobia-focused games should avoid action and combat scenarios to prevent reinforcement of fear responses. After rigorous evaluation, further exploration is required to provide remote use beyond clinical settings.

Dataset Information

Smartphone-Based Virtual and Augmented Reality Implicit Association Training (VARIAT) for Reducing Implicit Biases Toward Patients Among Health Care Providers: App Development and Pilot Testing.

Background

Objective

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Publications

Smartphone-Based Virtual and Augmented Reality Implicit Association Training (VARIAT) for Reducing Implicit Biases Toward Patients Among Health Care Providers: App Development and Pilot Testing.

Similar Datasets

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