VIRTUAL HEALTH ADVENTURES: INNOVATIVE DISSEMINATION OF HEALTH-RELATED EVIDENCE TO AMPUTEES

Morris Auditorium

Objective. To compare two methods of disseminating evidence-based health information to amputees: e-learning and virtual world environments. Background. Amputation is a chronic, life-long condition. Acquiring current and evolving prosthetic and health-related information including treatment for chronic healthcare issues and secondary conditions associated with amputation will an ongoing process throughout the lifespan of the amputee. We hypothesize that a self-management intervention will help amputees manage their chronic condition by enhancing self-efficacy or a feeling of control over their illness/disability. Methods. Aim 1 develops an evidence-based selfmanagement intervention for amputees. Aim 2 uses quantitative methods to compare delivery of the selfmanagement intervention under two conditions: e-learning and virtual world. The outcomes to be measured pre and post intervention are increased use of prosthetic devices, increased community integration, improved functional status, and increased self-efficacy. Aim 3 uses qualitative methods (phenomenology) to explore the lived experiences of amputees in a virtual world. Results. During year one of this project, the self-management intervention was created and adapted for the two dissemination conditions. This presentation will: (1) preview selfmanagement content in e-learning and virtual world (Second Life®) formats, (2) describe the methods for the clinical trial and (3) discuss opportunities for collaboration. Conclusion. This federally funded project provided three years of funding for a virtual world infrastructure at NSU led by the Occupational Therapy Department. Optimal care for amputees is multidisciplinary, thus there are opportunities for other departments to use this existing infrastructure to leverage grant funding. Grants. 1R24HS022021 - 01