Offline Onboarding as a Potential Contributor to Adherence in Virtual Reality Interventions for Hospitalized Older Adults
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.54337/aau.icdvrat26.31Abstract
Virtual reality (VR) may support coping with passivity and reduced autonomy in hospitalized older adults, yet unsuccessful first encounters may reinforce withdrawal rather than support involvement. We developed a structured offline onboarding protocol as a brief preparatory phase to reduce uncertainty, support understanding of interaction logic, and help make the first VR encounter a positive experience. As a conceptual, practice-informed position paper, this manuscript frames offline onboarding as a potential mediating component between intervention design, user readiness, and sustained involvement, to be examined in future research. By addressing cognitive, emotional, and interaction-related factors prior to immersion, offline onboarding may support accessibility and continued engagement with VR interventions in vulnerable populations.
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