Using VR-based interventions, wearable technology, and text mining to improve military and Veteran mental health
Eric Vermetten (Leiden University Medical Center, Military Mental Health Research, Ministry of Defense, ARQ National Psychotrauma Center)
Myrthe Tielman (TU Delft - Interactive Intelligence)
Ewout van Dort ( Simulation Center, Dutch Armed Forces)
Olaf Binsch (TNO)
Xueliang Li (TU Delft - Support Human-Centered Design)
M.C. Rozendaal (TU Delft - Human Technology Relations)
Bernard Veldkamp (University of Twente)
Gary Wynn (University of the Health Sciences)
Rakesh Jetly (Canadian Forces Health Services Group)
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Abstract
Introduction: Virtual reality (VR)-based interventions, wearable technology and text mining hold promising potential for advancing the way in which military and Veteran mental health conditions are diagnosed and treated. They have the ability to improve treatment protocol adherence, assist in the detection of mental health conditions, enhance resilience and increase a patient’s motivation to continue therapy. Methods: This article explores five cutting-edge research projects designed to leverage VR-based interventions, wearable technology, and text mining to improve military and Veteran mental health. A computer-animated virtual agent provides online coaching for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) patients in their own homes to enhance treatment compliance. A head-mounted display safely immerses PTSD patients in a virtual world to relive past experiences and associate them with new meanings. Gaming and simulation technology are tested as a way to improve resilience and performance in military members in deployment-related scenarios. Guidelines are developed for the creation of wearable assistive technology for military members and Veterans. Text mining is explored as a way to assist in the detection of PTSD. Results: VR-based therapy, gaming and simulation, wearable assistive and sensory technology, and text mining hold promise for diagnosing, monitoring, and treating military mental health conditions. Discussion: The five research projects presented have made promising contributions to the field of military and Veteran mental health, either by advancing diagnostic trajectories, contributing to therapy or enhancing the process by developing new approaches to delivering preventive or curative care.