| dc.description.abstract | Background: Virtual reality (VR) could improve access and adherence to evidence-based
psychological group therapies for people with depression. However, there is limited research
into VR group therapy (VRGT) for depression. This thesis aimed to systematically develop a
new evidence-based VRGT intervention for depression that can be delivered remotely and
investigate its feasibility and acceptability.
Methods: This thesis adopted a mixed methods design. The VRGT’s conceptual model was
based on evidence synthesised from 4 studies:
1. Secondary data analysis of qualitative studies, which identified the facilitators and
barriers to attending community mental health groups.
2. Scoping review, which identified how VR had been used in the treatment of depression
3. Systematic review, which developed a VR Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
framework
4. Qualitative study with 10 patients and 10 therapists, which identified the potential
acceptability of the VRGT.
Finally, the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention were assessed in a proof-of-concept
study with 6 patients with depression. A process evaluation embedded within the study
included interviews with all individuals who had received or delivered the intervention.
Results: The intervention consisted of 8 sessions delivered once a week for 45 minutes. The
intervention was feasible. The attendance rate for the intervention was 77.8%, with participants
reporting improved symptoms of depression. The qualitative evidence suggested that
participants were satisfied with the use of avatars and the immersive virtual environments and
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dissatisfied with the technical elements of the intervention and the lack of face-to-face contact.
Some participants were satisfied, and some were dissatisfied by the group dynamics and the
treatment content they received.
Conclusion: The VRGT intervention is acceptable and potentially beneficial to some patients
with depression. Recommendations from this thesis have already been used by clinicians and
software developers. Future research should assess the efficacy of VRGT. | en_US |
