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Aguilar L, Gath-Morad M, Grübel J, Ermatinger J, Zhao H, Wehrli S, Sumner RW, Zhang C, Helbing D, Hölscher C. Experiments as Code and its application to VR studies in human-building interaction. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9883. [PMID: 38688980 PMCID: PMC11061313 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60791-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Experiments as Code (ExaC) is a concept for reproducible, auditable, debuggable, reusable, & scalable experiments. Experiments are a crucial tool to understand Human-Building Interactions (HBI) and build a coherent theory around it. However, a common concern for experiments is their auditability and reproducibility. Experiments are usually designed, provisioned, managed, and analyzed by diverse teams of specialists (e.g., researchers, technicians, engineers) and may require many resources (e.g., cloud infrastructure, specialized equipment). Although researchers strive to document experiments accurately, this process is often lacking. Consequently, it is difficult to reproduce these experiments. Moreover, when it is necessary to create a similar experiment, the "wheel is very often reinvented". It appears easier to start from scratch than trying to reuse existing work. Thus valuable embedded best practices and previous experiences are lost. In behavioral studies, such as in HBI, this has contributed to the reproducibility crisis. To tackle these challenges, we propose the ExaC paradigm, which not only documents the whole experiment, but additionally provides the automation code to provision, deploy, manage, and analyze the experiment. To this end, we define the ExaC concept, provide a taxonomy for the components of a practical implementation, and provide a proof of concept with an HBI desktop VR experiment that demonstrates the benefits of its "as code" representation, that is, reproducibility, auditability, debuggability, reusability, & scalability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonel Aguilar
- Chair of Cognitive Science, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Data Science, Systems and Services Group, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Michal Gath-Morad
- Chair of Cognitive Science, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Cambridge Cognitive Architecture, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Jascha Grübel
- Chair of Cognitive Science, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Geo-information Science and Remote Sensing Laboratory, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
- Game Technology Center, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Visual Computing Group, Harvard University, Cambridge, USA
- Center for Sustainable Future Mobility, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Geoinformation Engineering Group, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Hantao Zhao
- School of Cyber Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
- Purple Mountain Laboratories, Nanjing, China
| | - Stefan Wehrli
- Decision Science Laboratory, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robert W Sumner
- Geo-information Science and Remote Sensing Laboratory, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ce Zhang
- Data Science, Systems and Services Group, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dirk Helbing
- Decision Science Laboratory, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Chair of Computational Social Science, ETH Zr̈ich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christoph Hölscher
- Chair of Cognitive Science, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Decision Science Laboratory, ETH Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Smith LC, Mateos AC, Due AS, Bergström J, Nordentoft M, Clemmensen L, Glenthøj LB. Immersive virtual reality in the treatment of auditory hallucinations: A PRISMA scoping review. Psychiatry Res 2024; 334:115834. [PMID: 38452499 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2024.115834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A large group of psychiatric patients suffer from auditory hallucinations (AH) despite relevant treatment regimens. In mental health populations, AH tend to be verbal (AVH) and the content critical or abusive. Trials employing immersive virtual reality (VR) to treat mental health disorders are emerging. OBJECTIVE The aim of this scoping review is to provide an overview of clinical trials utilizing VR in the treatment of AH and to document knowledge gaps in the literature. METHODS PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase were searched for studies reporting on the use of VR to target AH. RESULTS 16 papers were included in this PRISMA scoping review (ScR). In most studies VR therapy (VRT) was employed to ameliorate treatment resistant AVH in schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Only two studies included patients with a diagnosis of affective disorders. The VRT was carried out with the use of an avatar to represent the patient's most dominant voice. DISCUSSION The research field employing VR to treat AH is promising but still in its infancy. Results from larger randomized clinical trials are needed to establish substantial evidence of therapy effectiveness. Additionally, the knowledge base would benefit from more profound qualitative data exploring views of patients and therapists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Charlotte Smith
- VIRTU Research Group, Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Clinical Medicine (DK), University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Ana Collados Mateos
- VIRTU Research Group, Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Anne Sofie Due
- VIRTU Research Group, Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Joanna Bergström
- Department of Computer Science (DK), University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Merete Nordentoft
- Department of Clinical Medicine (DK), University of Copenhagen, Denmark; Research Unit (CORE), Capital Region (DK), Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lars Clemmensen
- VIRTU Research Group, Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Louise Birkedal Glenthøj
- VIRTU Research Group, Copenhagen Research Center for Mental Health, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital, Denmark; Department of Psychology (DK), University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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Wray TB, Kemp JJ, Adams Larsen M. Virtual reality (VR) treatments for anxiety disorders are unambiguously successful, so why are so few therapists using it? Barriers to adoption and potential solutions. Cogn Behav Ther 2023; 52:603-624. [PMID: 37376984 PMCID: PMC10592498 DOI: 10.1080/16506073.2023.2229017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are a significant cause of disability globally, yet only one in ten sufferers receives adequate quality treatment. Exposure-based therapies are effective in reducing symptoms associated with a number of anxiety disorders. However, few therapists use exposure techniques to treat these conditions, even when they are adequately trained in them, often because of concerns about provoking distress, drop out, logistical barriers, and other concerns. Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) can address many of these concerns, and a large body of research decisively shows that VRET is as efficacious for treating these conditions as in vivo exposures. Yet, use of VRET remains low. In this article, we discuss several factors we believe are contributing to low VRET adoption among therapists and raise potential solutions to address them. We consider steps that VR experience developers and researchers might take, such as leading studies of VRET's real-world effectiveness and treatment optimization trials and continuing to improve the fit of platforms with clinicians' workflows. We also discuss steps to address therapist reservations using aligned implementation strategies, as well as barriers for clinics, and the roles that professional organizations and payers could have in improving care by encouraging adoption of VRET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tyler B. Wray
- Center for Alcohol and Addictions Studies, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI
| | - Joshua J. Kemp
- Pediatric Anxiety Research Center, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI
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Abstract
Human-computer interaction (HCI) has contributed to the design and development of some efficient, user-friendly, cost-effective, and adaptable digital mental health solutions. But HCI has not been well-combined into technological developments resulting in quality and safety concerns. Digital platforms and artificial intelligence (AI) have a good potential to improve prediction, identification, coordination, and treatment by mental health care and suicide prevention services. AI is driving web-based and smartphone apps; mostly it is used for self-help and guided cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for anxiety and depression. Interactive AI may help real-time screening and treatment in outdated, strained or lacking mental healthcare systems. The barriers for using AI in mental healthcare include accessibility, efficacy, reliability, usability, safety, security, ethics, suitable education and training, and socio-cultural adaptability. Apps, real-time machine learning algorithms, immersive technologies, and digital phenotyping are notable prospects. Generally, there is a need for faster and better human factors in combination with machine interaction and automation, higher levels of effectiveness evaluation and the application of blended, hybrid or stepped care in an adjunct approach. HCI modeling may assist in the design and development of usable applications, and to effectively recognize, acknowledge, and address the inequities of mental health care and suicide prevention and assist in the digital therapeutic alliance.
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