Interdisciplinary Collaborators

• Dr. Julie Ancis (informatics, NJIT)
• Dr. Ladda Thiamwong (College of Nursing, University of Central Florida)
• Dr. Boon Peng Ng (College of Nursing, University of Central Florida)
• Dr. Roghayeh (Leila) Barmaki (Computer Science, University of Delaware)

Motivation: 

Currently, assisted living and nursing homes report staff shortages which predates COVID. In addition, shortages of CNAs are magnified because of the pandemic. CNAs provide a significant role in providing care for older adults, but problems such as insufficient training, poor pay, and inadequate support for their physical and emotional labor-intensive care can limit the effectiveness of their caregiving and can affect their attitudes toward working with older adults.  Although public and private organizations provide nursing assistant training, many do not specifically emphasize attitudes and perceptions towards the geriatric population.   

Research / Innovation Description: 

We are developing an Augmented Reality / Virtual Reality (AR/VR) training with virtual patients where the patient is represented digitally using 3D graphics on a screen or head mounted display. The training exposes CNAs to an older virtual patient. We interviewed caregivers and/or CNAs to identify workers’ needs and workplace challenges. Data from CNA interviews is used to inform our new generation of human-like virtual patients (i.e., 3D computer graphics models that have a human-like body and animations, are aware of their surroundings and conversations, and displayed in an immersive environment) in order to develop relevant communications and attitudes training. Third, the CNA will be asked to care for a Virtual Geriatric Patient (VGP) in repeated interactions to simulate/practice real life interactions. The VGP remembers the conversations and is aware of its surroundings, which makes workers feel that they are interacting with a real human (instead of a robot). Research will assess the feasibility and usability of the technology, as well as CNA’s attitudes and perceptions.  

Impact: 

This research has the potential to benefit Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and older adults by providing CNAs with training to improve their attitudes towards working with older adults. The proposed training will expose the Future Workers to a realistic interaction with a geriatric patient in order to facilitate positive attitudes, perceptions, and effective communication among healthcare workers in long-term care settings or in hospitals. Training which improves communication and fosters positive attitudes is important to both the experience of healthcare workers and the well-being of patients. This project will enable existing workers to engage in professional learning opportunities to better serve their communities.