Tim Blackman | PubMed Health

PubMed2003

Developing a virtual reality-based methodology for people with dementia: a feasibility study.

The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility of virtual reality (VR) technology for use by persons with dementia (PWD). Data were obtained directly from six PWD regarding their experiences with a virtual environment (VE) of a large outdoor park. A user-centered method was developed to assess: (a) presence; (b) user inputs; (c) display quality; (d) simulation fidelity; and (e) overall system usability. The extent to which PWD could perform four functional activities in the VE was also investigated (e.g., mailing a letter). In addition, physical and psychological well-being of PWD while interacting with the VE was assessed objectively by recording heart rate during the VR sessions and subjectively with discrete questionnaire items and real-time prompts. Symptom profiles associated with simulator sickness were assessed with an adapted version of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire. The study found that PWD to some extent experienced presence; perceived that objects were realistic and moved naturally; generally felt in control of the interaction; and demonstrated little difficulty using a joystick for navigation. The study also demonstrated that VR is an appropriate medium for assessing functional behavior within the context of an ecologically valid VE. PWD did not experience any significant increase in symptoms associated with simulator sickness, or detriments to their psychological and physical well-being. These findings demonstrated that it is feasible to work in VEs with PWD.

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PubMed2003

Change in adult health following medical priority rehousing: a longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: Over 90 per cent of local housing authorities in England allocate medical priority for rehousing (MPR) to applicants with medical or care needs but very few studies have been undertaken to investigate the health effects of this practice. This longitudinal study compares the change in health status of adult applicants for MPR who were rehoused with applicants who were not rehoused. METHODS: A total of 566 households applying for MPR were interviewed before any rehousing, and of these 253 households were re-interviewed between 9 and 12 months later. Data from initial and follow-up interviews were analysed for 227 adults, of whom 104 were rehoused. The rehoused and not rehoused groups were not significantly different in terms of health status, gender, education, income or housing conditions, but participants who were not rehoused were more likely to report mobility problems and to be aged over 50. Health data were collected by interview using the Short Form 36 (SF-36) questionnaire. Questions were also asked about housing conditions and the local neighbourhood, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and health-related behaviour. RESULTS: The health status of adult applicants for MPR was very poor. Those who were not rehoused experienced a slight improvement in five dimensions of the SF-36 whereas those who were rehoused experienced much larger improvements in six dimensions. For those who were rehoused, significant net improvements occurred in reports of tiredness, feeling depressed, sleeplessness, use of prescribed medication, use of medical services and problems with IADL. No changes occurred in reports of respiratory problems, longstanding illness or disability, use of antidepressants, sleeping pills or tranquillizers, smoking or social support. CONCLUSIONS: MPR was associated with improvements in mental health status and mobility, and among respondents aged 50 years or under with a reduced use of prescribed medication and medical services. Whereas most applicants applied for MPR because of mobility problems, they were less likely than other applicants to be rehoused. The health improvements that appeared to occur should be qualified by the extent of unmet need for appropriately adapted housing and the high level of ill-health that persisted even among adults who were rehoused.

Activities of Daily Living↗