JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Military members (MMs) and veterans exhibit higher rates of injuries and illnesses such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to their increased exposure to combat and other traumatic scenarios. Novel treatments for PTSD are beginning to emerge and increasingly leverage advances in gaming and other technologies, such as virtual reality. Without assessing the degree of technology acceptance and perception of usability to the end users, including the MMs, veterans, as well as their attending therapists and staff, it is difficult to know if a technology-based assessment will be used successfully in wider clinical practice. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model is commonly utilized to address technology acceptance and usability of applications in 5 domains.

Objective:

Utilizing the UTAUT model, the purpose of this study is to determine the technology acceptance and usability of Multi-modal Motion assisted Memory desensitization and reconsolidation (3MDR) on a virtual reality system in the primary user group (MMs and veterans with treatment resistant PTSD, 3MDR therapists, and virtual reality environment (VRE) operators).

Methods:

This mixed-methods embedded pilot study had MMs (n=3) and veterans (n=8), with a diagnosis of combat-related PTSD, as well as their therapists (n=13), and operators (n=5) complete pre/post questionnaires prior to and on completion of 6 weekly sessions of 3MDR. A partial least square structural equation model was utilized to analyze questionnaire results. Qualitative data from interviews were assessed via thematic analysis.

Results:

Effort expectancy, which was the most notable predictor of behavioural intention, increased after a course of 3MDR with the virtual reality system while all over variables demonstrated no significant change. Participants’ expectations of the technology were met demonstrated by non-significant differences in pre/post scores. The key qualitative themes included: (1) Feasibility and Function, (2) Technical Support, and (3) Tailored Immersion.

Conclusions:

3MDR via a VRE appears to be a feasible, usable, and accepted technology for delivering 3MDR to MMs and veterans who experience PTSD as well as the 3MDR therapists and operators who facilitated their treatment.