Combining augmented and virtual reality simulation training to improve geriatric oral care performance in healthcare assistants: A randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE: Healthcare assistants (HCAs) are frontline caregivers for older adults. This study evaluated the effectiveness of combining augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to implement oral healthcare simulation training for HCAs. METHODS: An experimental design was adopted. HCAs were recruited and randomly assigned to an AR/VR group (n = 40) or a control group (n = 40). The AR/VR group received 2.5 h of AR/VR training. Participants were trained on the Bass brushing technique through AR and on scenario-based oral care procedures for various physical and oral health conditions in older adults through VR. A self-administered questionnaire was employed to collect data before and after the training. Generalized estimating equations were used to analyze the differences between pretest and posttest results. RESULTS: After the training, the HCAs in the AR/VR group achieved a significantly greater increase in their level of oral care-related knowledge (β = 2.55, effect size [ES] = 1.62), self-efficacy (β = 4.23, ES = 0.75), and behavioral intention (β = 2.10, ES = 0.55) relative to the control group. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that the application of an AR/VR simulation system can effectively improve the geriatric oral care performance of HCAs.