Browsing by Author "Freire, Hugo"
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- Development and usability of VRainSUD’s cognitive training virtual reality platform for substance use disordersPublication . Caetano, Tânia; Pinho, Maria Salomé; Freire, Hugo; Mota, Dany; Ramadas, Eduardo; Lopes,Jessica; Freire-Santos, Filipa; Dixe, Maria dos AnjosCognitive deficits have been shown to increase the likelihood of relapse in individuals with substance use disorders (SUD). As such, cognitive training programs are important interventions for this population. In this study, we describe the development and test the usability of a virtual reality (VR)-based cognitive training program for individuals with SUD – VRainSUD. A total of 17 patients receiving inpatient treatment for SUD at an Addiction Treatment Center agreed to participate in the study. Participants completed 9 tasks designed to test the platform’s usability. The key performance indicators (e.g., time to complete the task) as well as any relevant observations were recorded. Finally, each participant completed a brief survey and the Post-Study System Usability Questionnaire (PSSUQ). VRainSUD was considered easy and pleasant to use but additional instructions were required on certain cognitive training tasks. The total PSSUQ score confirmed an overall high level of satisfaction concerning the platform’s usability (2.72 ± 1.92). Among the three subscales, system usefulness presented the most satisfactory score (1.76 ± 1.37) and information quality presented the least satisfactory score (3.00 ± 1.95). Changes were made to the platform to improve the on-screen information and instructions. Overall, participants showed interest in integrating VRainSUD into their standard treatment. Despite limited prior VR experience, they quickly adapted to the controllers and navigation. VRainSUD can be a potentially successful add-on to SUD treatment.
- VRainSUD: Content validation of a Cognitive Training Program using the Delphi MethodPublication . Caetano, Tânia; Pinho, Maria Salomé; Freire, Hugo; Mota, Dany; Ramadas, Eduardo; Lopes, Jessica; Dixe, Maria dos Anjos; Ballin, Daniel; Macredie, Robert D.Substance abuse has undeniable effects on several cognitive domains, with these associated deficits contributing to poorer treatment outcomes in substance use disorders (SUD). Cognitive training programs (CTPs) address these cognitive deficits, contributing to improved treatment outcomes. The main goal of this study was to validate the content of VRainSUD, a CTP virtual reality-based platform and a mobile follow-up application that proposes to reduce cognitive deficits in SUD. The Delphi method was used to reach a consensus on each of the program’s characteristics (e.g., structure, cognitive training tasks). A panel of experts was invited to participate in the content validation by answering two rounds of questions (scale and free-text boxes) regarding the program. Changes were made between the rounds according to the results of the first round. The consensus was defined as at least 70% of the experts agreeing on the validity of a characteristic. From 39 invited experts, 11 completed the first round, and 6 completed both rounds. The structure of the program reached a consensus on the first round, along with most tasks (with the exception of two mobile application tasks). Significant changes were made following the feedback received, namely turning the program personalizable, and adding positive feedback to the tasks in order to improve adherence and engagement. The Delphi method was a valuable tool to improve VRainSUD. The experts’ opinions validated main features and informed important additional changes, highlighting the importance of expert feedback in the development of cognitive interventions.