EDi-PASS: A Participatory Research Study on the Integration of Digital Devices Virtual Reality-related in Socio-Healthcare Contexts

Introduction: The rapid advancement of digital technologies is reshaping various sectors, including healthcare. Socio-healthcare professionals are increasingly required to integrate novel digital tools to improve efficiency and patient care (Stoumpos et al., 2023). The successful implementation of these technologies' hinges on their usability, practicality, and real-world applicability. The current study aims to explore the effective possibility of incorporating innovative digital devices within healthcare settings through the direct involvement of healthcare professionals, with a particular focus on mental health applications and the potential of virtual reality (VR) in therapeutic interventions. The study engages professionals working in diverse healthcare facilities to assess the usability, benefits, and limitations of these technologies. More in detail, stakeholders were recruited from: the Azienda Pubblica di Servizi alla Persona “Margherita Grazioli”, a long-term care home in Trento (Italy), the Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine Division in Trento (Italy), the Palliative and Onchological Care Unit in Trento (Italy). By prioritizing user-centered design, this research seeks to ensure that digital healthcare tools are practical, effective, and aligned with the real-world needs of healthcare professionals. Methodology: The current investigation adopts a participatory research methodology, structured into the following phases: 1) Definition of Objectives (Establish research questions and goals based on a comprehensive review of scientific literature. Conduct brainstorming sessions with the research team to ensure internal alignment and coordination); 2) Identification of Stakeholders (Engage a diverse group of stakeholders to capture a wide range of perspectives and experiences. Stakeholders will be drawn from various healthcare sectors, including palliative care, oncology, physical medicine and rehabilitation, neurology, and other relevant healthcare facilities); 3) Stakeholder Engagement – Initial Meetings (Conduct introductory meetings to present the research objectives, gather preliminary insights, and discuss potential methodologies. Establish trust and open communication with stakeholders to encourage active participation. Administer a preliminary questionnaire to assess participants' experiences with digital tools in their daily work practices. 4) Exposure to Digital Devices and Focus Group Discussions – Second Meeting (Facilitate hands-on interaction with digital devices under investigation (Humanoid Robot NAO, Kat Walk, Valve Index, Olorama, PlayStation VR2, Meta Quest 3, Meta Quest Pro, HTCVive, HTC Flow, HTC Vive XR Elite, TrackIR, TactSuit X40, Tilt5). Conduct focus group discussions to evaluate participants' experiences, identifying the feasibility, benefits, and challenges associated with integrating these technologies into daily clinical practice. 5) Iterative Feedback Loop and Synthesis of Findings (Analyze insights gathered from the focus group discussions. Share preliminary findings with stakeholders to solicit further feedback and refine the study's approach. Conduct a final session to address emerging concerns, integrate additional insights, and validate findings. 6) Participatory Data Analysis and Validation (Actively involve stakeholders in analyzing collected data to ensure interpretations reflect real-world experiences and perspectives. Validate findings by corroborating them with stakeholder input, ensuring alignment with their practical experiences; 7) Development of Actionable Insights (Collaborate with stakeholders to translate findings into practical recommendations). Results: Preliminary results will be shared in the context of the congress. Conclusions: The study aims to facilitate the seamless and effective adoption of digital innovations in socio-healthcare contexts by fostering collaboration, iterative feedback, and user-centered design, focusing on mental health applications and the potential of virtual reality (VR) to enhance therapeutic interventions. The research was funded by Hub Life Science – Digital Health (LSH-DH) PNC-E3-2022-23683267 -DHEAL-COM Project – CUP: C63C22001970001. Funded by the Italian Ministry of Health under the National Complementary Plan "Innovative Health Ecosystem" (Piano Nazionale Complementare Ecosistema Innovativo della Salute) - Unique Investment Code (Codice univoco investimento): PNC-E.3. References Stoumpos, A. I., Kitsios, F., & Talias, M. A. (2023). Digital Transformation in Healthcare: Technology Acceptance and Its Applications. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(4), 3407. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043407.