Cardiovascular health promotion: The impact of Immersive Virtual Reality

ongoing

CaregIVR project aims to empower informal caregivers and vulnerable people, increasing their literacy on cardiovascular diseases and promoting the development of quality skills in the provision of care to post-stroke patients, through innovative strategies such as immersive virtual reality. Likewise, the prevention of associated cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications and promotion of a healthy lifestyle in this population are a major goal. The project aims to increase caregiver's literacy through the creation of a real-life environment where they enter the world of the beneficiary of care, by experimenting through Immersive Virtual Reality the difficulties that the person in need of care experiences, from mobilization to hygiene care, compliance with therapy, mobility and others. In Portugal, Italy, Spain and Poland, it can be said that stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability, with a high burden on both individuals and society, as well as in Ukraine, where the situation was made worse by the war. The country had a well-developed health care system, but the availability and quality of rehabilitation services for stroke survivors varied. They provide practical and emotional support, help with activities of daily living, and assist with transportation to medical appointments. The burden on informal caregivers can be significant, and they often experience high levels of stress and burnout. Informal caregivers in Ukraine may face several challenges, including a lack of access to information and resources, financial difficulties, and difficulty navigating the healthcare system. In fact, in all these countries, informal caregivers play a critical role in supporting people with disabilities caused by cerebrovascular disease, and the presence of caregivers increases the probability of access to rehabilitation services as well as facilitate or even promote the access to healthcare services.