Leveraging virtual reality to improve medication adherence among marginalized populations with high-risk chronic health conditions: Proof-of-concept protocol, considerations, and next steps.

Abstract

Marginalized populations experience high prevalence of chronic health conditions - many of which require optimal medication adherence to avoid significant consequences for mortality and morbidity. Yet, marginalization and its complex sequelae create barriers for adherence and access to care, creating a cycle of health inequity. Individuals are not fully benefiting from evidence-based behavioral adherence interventions, like "Life-steps", potentially due to lack of embedded experiential learning, which is key for individuals experiencing complex barriers to medication adherence. Leveraging interactive artificial intelligence technologies through immersive virtual reality is a promising avenue to bolster behavioral adherence interventions. We present our current proof-of-concept work for "Life-steps VR", an integration of such technologies into the empiric behavioral medication adherence intervention. We then discuss our next steps for further refinement and testing of the technology with consideration for equity, democratization, and accessibility of health technologies. We conclude with a discussion of future potential iterations of Life-steps VR.