A randomized controlled trial investigating experiential virtual reality communication on prudent antibiotic use

Author(s)
Adéla Plechatá, Guido Makransky, Robert Böhm
Abstract

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat. This randomized controlled trial evaluates the impact of experiential virtual reality (VR) versus information provision via VR or leaflet on prudent antibiotic use. A total of 249 (239 analyzed) participants were randomized into three conditions: VR Information + Experience, VR Information, or Leaflet Information. All participants received AMR information, while those in the VR Information + Experience condition additionally engaged in a game, making treatment decisions for their virtual avatar's infection. Participants in the VR Information + Experience condition showed a significant increase in prudent use intentions from baseline (d = 1.48). This increase was significantly larger compared to the VR Information (d = 0.50) and Leaflet Information (d = 0.79) conditions. The increase in intentions from baseline remained significant at follow-up in the VR Information + Experience condition (d = 1.25). Experiential VR communication shows promise for promoting prudent antibiotics use.

Organisation(s)
Department of Occupational, Economic and Social Psychology
External organisation(s)
University of Copenhagen
Journal
npj Digital Medicine
Volume
7
Pages
244
ISSN
2398-6352
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41746-024-01240-3
Publication date
09-2024
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
501021 Social psychology
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Health Information Management, Health Informatics, Medicine (miscellaneous), Computer Science Applications
Portal url
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/775985d3-b578-438e-8ea9-16a856c3aaa4