WVXU: VR headsets put caregivers in the shoes of those they are assisting
UC faculty and students collaborate with experts on aging to create virtual tutorials for caregivers
A new virtual reality training program helps caregivers navigate the trials and tribulations of caring for the elderly with experienceable scenarios.
“Most of us are not trained in what to do,” about medication management or topics such as end of life conversations, says Ming Tang, director of UC’s extended reality lab.
Tang, an associate professor in the College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning, collaborated with the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio (COA) to design a virtual reality program that teaches the user how to navigate difficult situations before experiencing them firsthand.
Among the five scenarios in the training program, called EVRTalk, are end of life conversations. “It’s a very heavy topic,” that Tan says led to students developing a protype, evaluations and implementation.
In an interview with WVXU, Tan and program directors discuss the outcomes of this type of virtual training.
Featured photo courtesy of Unsplash.
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Assistant Dean Leads Mascot Mania
October 13, 2002
Assistant Dean Jeannette Songer and her crew of student workers are pleased to introduce Elizabeth Bearcat Browning, the McMicken College of Arts & Sciences entry for "Mascot Mania," a new decorating contest modeled after Cincinnati's Big Pig Gig.
Students' New Tank Tops Much More Than a Fashion Statement
November 12, 2002
A new shirt created by UC co-op students Jaleen Francois and Regina Schneider will fight sexual assault, $10 at a time.
Real-World Project is All About Pressure
December 2, 2002
UC fashion students are designing better pressure garments to aid children and teens suffering from burn injuries.