Virtual reality-based training for motivational interviewing around childhood obesity – are pediatricians “game”?

BACKGROUND Institute of Medicine reports advocate for early prevention and treatment of childhood obesity yet pediatricians cite inadequate tools to support often challenging interactions with families. While motivational interviewing (MI) has shown to be effective in the patient-physician encounter, many feel unprepared to use this strategy. In-person MI training is expensive & limited in geographically isolated areas. Innovative, cost-effective teaching approaches are needed. Virtual reality technology (VRT) is emerging as an efficacious method to teach professionals and nonprofessionals communication skills around suicide prevention & substance abuse. This presentation examines the acceptability & feasibility of using gaming technology to train pediatricians in MI around childhood obesity.

METHODS Component 1 - participants tested a VR simulation module & completed pre/post surveys. Component 2 - telephone-based debriefing interview.

RESULTS 35 pediatricians took part (57% female; M age=44 years). Most lacked prior MI training. Response to the VR experience was overwhelmingly positive. 97% agreed that VRT can be effective for learning MI around child weight concerns. Advantages over traditional teaching methods contributed to acceptability. Participants valued the module's built-in features like emotionally responsive avatars, an “undo” button, and a virtual coach allowing experimentation with different MI strategies while engaged in simulated conversation.

CONCLUSIONS Feasibility study findings suggest that VRT may be a highly acceptable & cost-effective way to teach pediatricians MI strategies. Participants valued the technology's sophistication & ability to create realistic scenarios & authentic conversations with immediate, personalized feedback. VR-based learning can create a non-threatening, conveniently accessible extended classroom to build MI skills.