Virtual worlds to support patient group communication? A questionnaire study investigating potential for virtual world focus group use by respiratory patients.
Saved in:
| Title: | Virtual worlds to support patient group communication? A questionnaire study investigating potential for virtual world focus group use by respiratory patients. |
|---|---|
| Authors: | Taylor, Michael J.1 michael.taylor3@imperial.ac.uk, Taylor, Dave2, Vlaev, Ivo3, Elkin, Sarah4 |
| Source: | British Journal of Educational Technology. Mar2017, Vol. 48 Issue 2, p451-461. 11p. 3 Charts. |
| Subject Terms: | *Educational technology, *Educational technology research, *Virtual reality in education, *Communications research, Social aspects, Virtual reality -- Social aspects |
| Abstract: | Recent advances in communication technologies enable potential provision of remote education for patients using computer-generated environments known as virtual worlds. Previous research has revealed highly variable levels of patient receptiveness to using information technologies for healthcare-related purposes. This preliminary study involved implementing a questionnaire investigating attitudes and access to computer technologies of respiratory outpatients in order to assess potential for use of virtual worlds to facilitate health-related education for this sample. Ninety-four patients with a chronic respiratory condition completed surveys, which were distributed at a Chest Clinic. In accordance with our prediction, younger participants were more likely to be able to use and have access to a computer, and some patients were keen to explore use virtual worlds for healthcare-related purposes: Of those with access to computer facilities, 14.50% expressed a willingness to attend a virtual world focus group. Results indicate that future virtual world health education facilities should be designed to cater to younger patients because this group is most likely to accept and use such facilities. Within the study sample, this is likely to comprise of people diagnosed with asthma. Future work could investigate the potential of creating a virtual world asthma education facility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of British Journal of Educational Technology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Education Research Complete |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
| Abstract: | Recent advances in communication technologies enable potential provision of remote education for patients using computer-generated environments known as virtual worlds. Previous research has revealed highly variable levels of patient receptiveness to using information technologies for healthcare-related purposes. This preliminary study involved implementing a questionnaire investigating attitudes and access to computer technologies of respiratory outpatients in order to assess potential for use of virtual worlds to facilitate health-related education for this sample. Ninety-four patients with a chronic respiratory condition completed surveys, which were distributed at a Chest Clinic. In accordance with our prediction, younger participants were more likely to be able to use and have access to a computer, and some patients were keen to explore use virtual worlds for healthcare-related purposes: Of those with access to computer facilities, 14.50% expressed a willingness to attend a virtual world focus group. Results indicate that future virtual world health education facilities should be designed to cater to younger patients because this group is most likely to accept and use such facilities. Within the study sample, this is likely to comprise of people diagnosed with asthma. Future work could investigate the potential of creating a virtual world asthma education facility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 00071013 |
| DOI: | 10.1111/bjet.12378 |
