Effectiveness of virtual and augmented reality-based interventions in training informal carers of people with dementia: a rapid review

Introduction: To enhance the understanding of dementia, the most effective approach is to provide a direct experience of the challenges faced by individuals with the condition. Caregivers should be able to perceive and experience the difficulties associated with dementia symptoms. This can be practically achieved through technologies such as virtual and augmented reality. Objective: Map out the effectiveness of interventions based on virtual and augmented reality in training informal caregivers of people with dementia, as reported in the literature, and identify the outcomes of this training. Methods: Rapid Literature Review using the EBSCOhost platform in the following databases: CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete, Nursing & Allied Health Collection: Comprehensive, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts, MedicLatina and Cochrane Clinical. Accepting primary and secondary studies, published between January 1, 2019 and November 30, 2024. Cochrane guidelines were followed. Results: This rapid review included seven studies. Conclusions: The studies analysed provided consistent evidence that virtual reality-based interventions promote positive impacts on the attitudes, skills and empathy of informal caregivers of people with dementia.