Proposed Topic (Most preferred): :
Research and Innovations (new projects / technology / innovations / service models)
Proposed Topic (Second preferred): :
HA Young Investigators Session (Projects to be presented by HA staff who had joined HA for 10 years or less)
Authors (including presenting author) :
Chiu YH (1), Chan KK (1), Hui N (1)
Affiliation :
Occupational Therapy (OT) Department, United Christian Hospital (UCH)
Introduction :
Currently, Occupational Therapy (OT) training primarily focuses on strategy-based discussions with limited opportunities for practical application. Individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) experience significant decline in Prospective Memory (PM), impacting daily activities like medication adherence and cooking safety. Virtual Reality (VR) training has shown potential for enhancing engagement, improving memory retention, and providing a safer practice environment. To align with the strategic direction of Smart Hospital and Smart Care, the OT department at United Christian Hospital secured funding from United Christian Medical Service to develop a new Dual Immersive and Non-Immersive VR training module. Recruitment began in August 2023, utilizing a system with five screens for wider vision. With the motion tracking sensor, participants could interact in the immersive environment without wearing VR headsets. The VR game includes scenarios related to household tasks, public transportation, and shopping, addressing common forgetfulness complaints.
Objectives :
This study aims to investigate the effects of Dual Immersive and Non-Immersive VR PM Training on individuals with MCI.
Methodology :
This retrospective analysis included 13 patients with MCI (age 59 to 77) who completed the Dual Immersive and Non-Immersive VR PM training program and assessments from August 1 to December 22, 2023. Group-based intervention sessions lasted 60 minutes, conducted weekly for four sessions with four participants per group. Cognitive progress was evaluated using three assessments: the Hong Kong Montreal Cognitive Assessment (HK-MOCA), Cambridge Prospective Memory Test (CAMPROMPT), and Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ). Baseline and posttest scores were compared.
Result & Outcome :
The Dual Immersive and Non-Immersive VR PM training group showed statistically significant improvement in the CAMPROMPT total score (mean score increased from 15 to 19, p = 0.01) and in the time-based score in the posttest (mean score increased from 6.2 to 9.9, p < 0.01). However, there were no significant differences in the HK-MoCA, CAMPROMPT event-based score and the PRMQ. No participant reported adverse effect such as dizziness during the training These results suggest that Dual Immersive and Non-Immersive VR PM training holds promise as a non-pharmacological intervention for improving PM in individuals with MCI. It is recommended that future studies include a randomized controlled trial and a larger sample size to further investigate the efficacy of this training method.
