17. Revolutionizing Dementia Care Through VR Training

Send us Fan MailEpisode DescriptionDr. Marie Savundranayagam's innovative virtual reality training program is transforming dementia care by teaching healthcare providers person-centred communication skills in an immersive, judgment-free environment. Her research and personal caregiving experience have shaped a program that helps frontline workers see beyond the condition to connect with the whole person, improving care outcomes while rekindling caregivers' passion for their profession.Key Takeaways:Be Epic VR uses conversational artificial intelligence to create realistic practice scenarios with diverse avatarsPersonal caregiving experience with her father who had Parkinson's disease inspired Marie's research focusResearch identified "missed opportunities" where caregivers failed to respond to personal conversation openingsCultural humility approach acknowledges we can never fully understand others' experiences but remain open to learningThe program gives gentle feedback when learners miss opportunities, avoiding shame while encouraging growthVirtual reality training reduces fear of making mistakes, allowing participants to practice difficult scenariosManagers report staff show increased confidence and better person-centred care after trainingResearch shows significant measurable improvements in communication approaches after completing the programFuture research will examine potential implicit bias in how we communicate with people of different backgroundsEven in rushed healthcare environments, small communication changes can make meaningful differencesLearn more about Be EPIC:  https://www.uwo.ca/fhs/care/be_epic/index.htmlContact Marie:  [email protected]@SamkatzCHARU on X@samkatzcharu on InstagramSam Katz CHARU on LinkedInThank you for listening!Do you have a question or a topic related to "capturing essence for care" that you would like discussed on the podcast?  Email:  [email protected] use the "Send us Fan Mail" link at the top of the Episode Description to text the show!Interested in learning more?  Check out my Etsy ShopVisit my YouTube channel or websiteIntro and outro music with thanks:  Upbeat and Sweet No Strings by Musictown Lisa brings over 25 years of experience working in healthcare settings with older adults. The perspectives shared on this podcast are her own and do not represent the views of any past or current employer. Patient/resident stories are shared only with explicit permission or as anonymized composites for educational purposes.