Virtual Reality Adaptation of Be EPIC: Pre-Implementation Studies of Person-Centered Dementia Care Training

Abstract Background and Objectives: Person-centered communication is critical in dementia care, yet personal support workers (PSWs) often lack sufficient training, which can reduce care quality. Be EPIC is an in-person training that teaches learners to build person-centered communication skills using actor-based simulations. A virtual reality (VR) version of Be EPIC was developed to expand access and consistency. Two pre-implementation studies explored factors influencing Be EPIC-VR’s implementation by assessing readiness for VR training among managers and realism and usability from PSWs’ perspectives. Research Design and Methods Study 1 used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to assess readiness for VR training through semi-structured interviews with managers of PSWs (n = 9) in long-term and home care settings. Interviews focused on CFIR’s innovation, inner setting, and outer setting domains. Guided by Fox’s taxonomy of VR research, Study 2 involved PSWs (n = 7) who completed a Be EPIC-VR simulation and were interviewed about its realism, usability compared to live actors, and implementation factors related to CFIR’s innovation and inner setting domains. Results Study 1 identified four themes: external pressures for organizational sustainability, organizational culture supporting staff development, staffing and training logistics, and openness to VR for training. In Study 2, PSWs described VR simulations as immersive and realistic, though some reported limited mobility and headset incompatibility. While managers expressed concerns about the use of VR technology, PSWs noted that clear onboarding and facilitator guidance ensured accessibility. Both groups confirmed sufficient structural resources for implementation. Discussion and Implications: Successful implementation of VR-based training in dementia care depends on aligning implementation readiness, organizational culture, and logistical resources. Early end-user engagement and an iterative approach enabled continual refinement of Be EPIC-VR based on managers’ openness to VR and PSWs’ user experiences. The findings position VR training as a promising method to improve dementia care.