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
UC DAAP students recognized for achievement in co-op
April 17, 2021
Profiles of ten outstanding students in UC's College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning
Neil Armstrong UC Forward Innovation Award 2021 winners announced
April 13, 2021
Team of three undergraduate students from different disciplines excel in an innovation course at the University of Cincinnati.
New UC mural in Over-the-Rhine
April 21, 2021
Vine Street public work features 19 UC alumni and loads of black and red. The mural will be on display through Homecoming this fall.
DAAP hosts third annual DAAPX Symposium virtually
March 30, 2021
UC alumni, friends and community members are invited to a virtual day of fast-paced, TEDtalk-style presentations on diverse projects and experiences from DAAP alumni across all majors and degrees.
The making of a successful Faculty & Staff Campaign
May 25, 2021
More than one-third of UC’s nearly 7,000 faculty and staff have already contributed to the 2020-21 Faculty & Staff Campaign, putting the goal of 45% within reach.
Three additional days off for UC employees
July 14, 2021
President Neville G. Pinto announced that UC employees will receive three additional days off in 2021 for going 'above and beyond' during the pandemic. The time away will take place during Winter Season Days.
New facial covering requirement and vaccine incentives for UC community
August 3, 2021
UC President Neville G. Pinto announced that facial covering requirements will begin at UC Aug. 5, and vaccine incentives will begin for faculty, staff and students later this month.
Rankings Rise: UC Graduate Programs Advance in Just-Released U.S. News' Guide
March 15, 2016
Several UC programs pull rank in the just-released 2017 U.S. News and World Report "Best Grad Schools" guide.
Graphic Design Grad Gives Back
December 4, 2016
How a reunion, children s books and underwater photography led to a $100,000 endowment.
Architecture Class of 1975 Establishing Scholarship
December 4, 2016
DAAP alumni are raising funds for endowed scholarship to assure affordability for future students.