A Randomized Waitlist-Controlled Trial of a Virtual Reality Intervention for Enhancing Professional Commitment,Resilience,and Coping in Long-Term Care Workers

Abstract

Background:

Long-term care (LTC) workers face complex challenges requiring enhanced professional commitment and resilience. Virtual reality (VR) teaching modules provide immersive training, yet their effects on this workforce remain underexplored. This study examined the effectiveness of a VR-based module in enhancing professional commitment, psychological resilience, and coping strategies among LTC workers.

Methods:

A randomized waitlist-controlled trial was conducted with 92 LTC workers, divided equally into experimental and control groups. The experimental group received VR-based training, while the control group received the same intervention 4 weeks later. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations (GEE) and t-tests.

Results:

The VR module significantly improved professional commitment (B = 7.24, p = .021). No statistically significant changes were observed for resilience or coping strategies.

Conclusions and Application to Practice:

VR-based training modules appear to enhance professional commitment among LTC workers. Integrating VR modules into mandatory training may help enhance job satisfaction, reduce burnout, and potentially improve care outcomes. Tailored VR training with workshops and peer engagement offers a practical approach to strengthening occupational health in LTC.

Keywords

virtual reality long-term care workers professional commitment psychological resilience coping strategies

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