Outside in: A Protocol for Qualitative Study of the Implementation of Immersive Technology in Dementia Care

Older adults living in hospitals and long-term care (LTC) settings often lack opportunities for meaningful social engagement and interaction with the outside world, particularly due to mobility disabilities and frailty. Immersive virtual reality (VR) technologies have shown potential to overcome these barriers by virtually connecting individuals with nature, familiar environments, and cultural experiences, thereby promoting well-being and social engagement. However, existing research primarily utilizes head-mounted displays (HMDs) and involves healthy community-dwelling participants, limiting relevance for people living with dementia in care settings such as hospitals and LTC. This qualitative study protocol outlines the use of a non-HMD immersive technology tailored for people living with dementia in hospital and LTC settings. Employing wall projections and motion sensors, the intervention is specifically designed for accessibility among people living with dementia in hospitals and LTC environments. Guided by the Collaborative Action Research (CAR) approach, the study comprises three phases: Plan, Implement, and Evaluate. Focus groups, interviews, and ethnographic observations will be conducted to collect data. Thematic analysis will identify key themes related to feasibility, acceptability, and user experiences. Findings will inform the equitable design and implementation of future immersive technologies in dementia care settings.