A Multi-User Virtual Reality Social Connecting Space for People Living with Dementia and Their Support Persons: A Participatory Action Research Study

Figures & data

Figure 1. The single-user VR familiarization environment.

Figure 2. The MUVR forested area.

Figure 3. The MUVR social town square with shared activities.

Figure 4. The two PAR cycles pertaining to Phase 4.

Table 1. Demographic characteristics of people living with dementia.

	People living with dementia (n = 5)
Age
59–69 years	2
70–79 years	2
80+ years	1
Gender
Male	4
Female	1
Current support person
Spouse/Partner	3
Daughter	2
Length of time experiencing memory difficulties
1–3 years	2
4–6 years	2
7+ years	1
Experience using technology
A lot of experience (e.g., using a tablet, games console, laptop)	2
Some experience (e.g., using a mobile telephone)	2
No experience	1

Table 2. Demographic characteristics of the support persons.

	Support persons (n = 5)
Age
40–49 years	1
50–59 years	3
60–69 years	1
Gender
Female	5
Person living with dementia relationship
Spouse/Partner	3
Father	1
Mother	1
Length of time supporting a person living with dementia
0–4 years	3
5–9 years	2
Experience using technology
A lot of experience (e.g., using a tablet, games console, laptop)	5

Table 3. Themes and their descriptions.

Themes	Description
Usability Insights: “Getting tangled up” and Supporting Usability	This theme describes the usability aspects of the technology as experienced by people living with dementia and their support persons and how usability was supported during MUVR use.
Acceptability of the MUVR application	This theme comprises two subthemes: Acceptable avatar representation, design and content This subtheme describes the acceptability of the avatars used and the MUVE content and design used to promote the social connectedness of people living with dementia and their support persons. Perceived usefulness of the MUVR application This subtheme describes the perceived future usefulness of the MUVR application to promote social connectedness for people living with dementia and their support persons.
The feasibility of using the MUVR application	This theme describes the technical feasibility and practical considerations involved in using the MUVR application in the home environment (e.g., creating a safe social space for people living with dementia and their support persons).
Supporting social connectedness	This theme describes the potential of the MUVR application to support the social connectedness of people living with dementia and their support persons.

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are openly available in OSF at: https://osf.io/tkdjw/?view_only=68761d8b68dd4f6b9e99b7f3ffb47ea1