Extended Reality in Advanced Nursing Practice: A Focus on Geriatrics

Potential Applications:

In the field of geriatrics, extended reality (XR) technologies offer promising applications to enhance the quality of life for older adults, particularly those with cognitive impairments or mobility limitations. Some potential uses include:

• Cognitive Stimulation: Creating immersive virtual environments to simulate real-world activities, such as walking through a park or visiting a museum. This can help maintain cognitive function and prevent cognitive decline.
• Social Engagement: Facilitating virtual social interactions with family, friends, and peers, reducing feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• Pain Management: Using VR to distract patients from pain during procedures or treatments.
• Physical Rehabilitation: Providing immersive rehabilitation exercises to improve mobility and functional independence.

Suitable Products:

• Oculus Quest: A standalone VR headset that offers a wide range of immersive experiences.
• Microsoft HoloLens: An AR headset that overlays digital information onto the real world, allowing for interactive experiences.
• Custom-built XR platforms: Tailored to specific healthcare needs, such as those designed for cognitive stimulation or pain management.

Potential Barriers:

• Cost: The initial investment in XR technology and content can be high.
• Accessibility: Ensuring that XR technology is accessible to older adults with varying levels of physical and cognitive abilities.
• Technical Challenges: Overcoming technical difficulties, such as device compatibility, setup, and troubleshooting.
• Ethical Considerations: Addressing concerns related to privacy, data security, and the potential for dependency on technology.

Conclusion:

XR technologies have the potential to revolutionize geriatric care by providing innovative solutions for cognitive stimulation, social engagement, pain management, and rehabilitation. However, addressing the challenges associated with cost, accessibility, and ethical considerations is crucial for successful implementation in clinical practice.