Can a virtual reality experience change behaviour and prevent skin cancer?

Presenter: Dr Elke Hacker, Griffith University, Brisbane, Australia & Dr Ken Dutton-Regester, Excite Science

Summary: Skin cancer is preventable, however young adults in Australia still get regularly sunburnt. Our challenge is to develop new, innovative and creative ways to reach people with health messaging. This study explored the potential of a virtual reality (VR) game to engage, educate and elicit sun protection behaviours in young adults. The VR game was created using a user-centred design approach and tested by 20 end users in focus groups to gather feedback on tolerance, safety, satisfaction with use and behaviour change. VR technology may provide a channel to deliver health behaviour changing experiences to young adults in an immersive and entertaining format.