Advanced Visualization Branch

National Institute Of Nursing Research

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

The purpose of the AVB lab is to use advanced visualization environments (immersive virtual reality) to better understand patient self-management. To this aim, our goal is to develop realistic virtual environments accessible to a broad range of individuals including those with limited digital experience, across a broad age-range, diverse backgrounds, and potentially those with some cognitive or physical limitation. Now that we have demonstrated that the virtual shopping environment and interface works for a broad range of individuals, we will submit additional protocols evaluating specific aspects of shopping behavior. We completed our first study over a period of 10 weeks and are in the process of analyzing the data collected from the study and are in the process of preparing presentations and manuscripts to disseminate the findings. The results of our first study support our aims to create accessible experiences to a broad range of participants, even those with minor disabilities. Phase 2 of the study will begin Fall of 2021 and we already have an extensive wait-list of individuals wanting to participate. We applied the same multipurpose model to our second environment which is performing pillbox management tasks within the home environment. As correctly placing pills in a pillbox is a complex cognitive process, we have created a simple version of the task to identify individual cognitive factors that may contribute to errors in pill sorting. Our current environment enables us to determine if individuals can visually differentiate pill types, match to a calendar showing proper pill placement and then determining how quickly this information is processed. A subset of participants completed the pillbox task during phase 1 of the protocol. Each participant successfully learned and performed the task with minimal difficulty. The pillbox task will be used as a performance decrement indicator in phase 2 of our cognitive fatigue study. This task and virtual environment are a jumping off point for a future protocol evaluating the cognitive and environmental factors influencing medication management. In addition to our work in virtual environments, we have been involved in training, using big data, and supporting common data elements work. Our summer intern Alexandra Cuc and post-bac Sara Flash completed NIH presentations based on data extracted from the All of Us project. Sara also participated in the NIH academy and completed several other scientific presentations within the NINR. The data provided a platform for training in research statistics using existing data and scientific presenting. Dr. Holdnack has served as a content expert in the NIH Rehabilitation Medicine common data elements project initiated by NINDS and NIHCD. Additionally, our studies have included data that supports NINR common data elements and initiatives including the social determinants of health and PROMIS measures. We are interested in extending our research through collaborations and are exploring options with NIMHD and NIDA. Our current staff includes a full-time staff scientist, a post-bac, and 3 remote contractors including a full-time graphic designer, a part-time engineer, and a part-time clinical nurse. This requires managing a team that is spread across the country in different time zones and varying work schedules. Additionally, we on-boarded and off-boarded numerous staff during this time. Currently, we are in the process of adding a full-time engineer to bolster our capacity to create virtual environments and are exploring options for additional research personnel. We will add an additional post-bac to aid in the next phase of research protocols and to increase our training efforts. Despite a small staff, under mostly remote telework, the AVB has moved forward with a complex research agenda and has completed proof of concept that immersive technology has potential to be a useful tool in the healthcare arena. We anticipate an acceleration of our scientific program over the next year.