Virtual reality in social skills training programs for people with schizophrenia: A systematic review and focus group

Abstract

Introduction This study aims to determine the guidelines for the design of a social skills training programme for people with schizophrenia using virtual reality. Methods This article encompasses two studies: Study 1, a systematic review of five articles indexed in the databases B-on, PubMed, Clinical trials and Cochrane Library (2010–2020); Study 2, a focus group of occupational therapists trained in mental health and multimedia professionals, in which they discussed the outline of such a programme. Results A set of guidelines were identified as central and consensual which should be included in the programme. It must have multilevel logic and gradual learning, with simulations of everyday situations, in which it is possible to practise the skills of conversation and communication. Virtual reality provides people with schizophrenia with unlimited opportunities, enhancing a personalized intervention. Conclusion Social skills training could be part of the treatment for people with schizophrenia, and virtual reality is a promising tool to complement traditional training, although still little implemented in mental health services. Occupational therapists have a prominent role in the development and application of this because of their knowledge of activity analysis and their ability to facilitate the generalization of skills in different contexts.

Intervensi Social Skills Training Pada Pasien Skizofrenia: Reviu Literatur

“…Salah satu dampak/akibat skizoenia yang paling berbahaya ditandai dengan disfungsi sosial atau ketidak mampuan melaksanakan peran sosial dalam tugas, tanggung jawab serta sesuai dengan harapan orang lain (Oliveira et al, 2021).…”

Mental health – An area of high priority in occupational therapy

“…Using virtual reality in social skills training with people with schizophrenia is the subject matter in a two-phase study, where the first is a literature review and the second is based on a focus group composed of occupational therapists trained in mental health and multimedia professionals (Oliveira et al, 2021). The aim of the Portuguese study was to identify guidelines for social skills training based on use of virtual reality.…”