On performing vestibular damage assessment and therapy using virtual reality: lessons learned

Virtual and augmented reality-based devices have been proposed for a range of assessment and treatment tasks, but how well are they accepted by clinicians and their patients? To investigate this question a prototype VR-based tool was developed for vestibular damage assessment and treatment. Designed to be used primarily within an in-person clinical setting, this tool was developed with the long-term goal of also supporting in-home independent and supervised treatment. Mock treatment and assessment sessions were held with non-clinical patients and the operational and patient experiences evaluated qualitatively through post-session questionnaires. Participants found the process engaging although there were concerns over hygiene, especially in light of the COVID pandemic. Clinicians felt that a VR- or AR-based approach could be effective, especially if it engaged patients in supervised, at-home exercises.