BACKGROUND
Interactive, mixed-reality technologies such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR) and holographic technology may provide a novel, low-cost solution to fast-track the translation of evidence into practice; and may help overcome barriers to both mental health and asthma management service uptake.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate if mixed reality technology is an acceptable mechanism for the delivery of a component of CBT for the management of symptoms of elevated psychological distress among young people with asthma.
METHODS
To explore the perceived acceptability of these technologies, mixed reality tools were evaluated via qualitative, one-on-one interviews with young people with asthma and symptoms of psychological distress, parents/caregivers of young people with asthma and symptoms of psychological distress, and relevant health professionals. The Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (TFA) was used for deductive coding of recorded interview transcripts.
RESULTS
Three young people with asthma and symptoms of psychological distress (2 female, mean age (years) = 14, SD= 1.73), four parents/caregivers of individuals with asthma (1 female, mean age (years) = 55, SD= 14.58) and six health professionals (4 females, mean age = 40.8, SD= 4.32) consented to participate. Four constructs – experienced affective attitude, experienced effectiveness, self-efficacy and intervention coherence – were coded in all participant transcripts. The most frequently coded constructs were experienced affective attitude and intervention coherence; both reported a total of 96 times, while the least frequently coded construct was anticipated opportunity cost; reported a total of 5 times. Participants were mostly positive about the mixed reality resources. However, some concerns were raised regarding ethicality, particularly in relation to privacy, accessibility, and messaging. Participants noted the need for technology to be used in conjunction with face-to-face engagement with health professionals, and that some patients would respond to this type of delivery mechanism better than others.
CONCLUSIONS
These results suggest that mixed reality technology for the purposes of delivery of psychological intervention may be an acceptable addition to current healthcare practices for young people with asthma and symptoms of psychological distress.
CLINICALTRIAL
The study was prospectively registered with the Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12620001109998.