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UBC IDEA Lab @idea.nursing.ubc.ca · 4d

What should a hospital VR program look like for older adults living with dementia?

New paper led by PhD student Lily Haopu Ren maps the expectations of patient partners, families, staff, and care leaders on co-designing person-centred VR programs in hospital settings:

Expectations of a virtual reality program for older adults with dementia in hospitals: Perspectives of patient partners, families, staff, and care leaders - Lily Haopu Ren, Grace Yaqian Liu, Julia Nol...

Background Emerging evidence suggests that virtual reality (VR) technology can potentially improve the wellbeing of older adults living with dementia in hospita...

journals.sagepub.com

UBC IDEA Lab @idea.nursing.ubc.ca · 5d

Proud moment today! Our research assistant @jeffrey.cspsc.ca and patient partner Lynn Jackson presented our poster “Co-Designing Immersive Virtual Reality With Indigenous Communities” at the TWU CREATE Conference 2025.

Jeffrey Wong and Lynn Jackson stand beside their poster “Co-Designing Immersive Virtual Reality With Indigenous Communities” at the TWU CREATE Conference 2025.

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Reposted by UBC IDEA Lab

Dr Lillian @nurselillian.bsky.social · 6d

Working at the University of South Bohemia today at the Dean’s office @idea.nursing.ubc.ca #ubc

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UBC IDEA Lab @idea.nursing.ubc.ca · 6d

Thanks for sharing!

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UBC IDEA Lab @idea.nursing.ubc.ca · 9d

In 2 weeks! Register now to attend the @ubc-vnursing.bsky.social lecture and symposium on “The Future of Nursing in the Age of AI,” where @uoftnursing.bsky.social’s Dr. Charlene Chu will deliver the 2025 Marion Woodward Lecture. @nurselillian.bsky.social is part of the symposium just prior at 5pm.

UBC IDEA Lab @idea.nursing.ubc.ca · Aug 18

@nurselillian.bsky.social will be joining a panel at @ubc-vnursing.bsky.social’s 57th Marion Woodward Lecture & Symposium, “The Future of Nursing in the Age of AI,” on Thursday, October 16 at the VIFF Theatre in Vancouver. Learn more & register: nursing.ubc.ca/community/ev...

The Future of Nursing in the Age of AI | UBC Nursing

57th MARION WOODWARD LECTURE The Future of Nursing in the Age of AI Dr. Charlene Chu, University of Toronto

nursing.ubc.ca

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UBC IDEA Lab @idea.nursing.ubc.ca · 11d

Our new study in #JDAD @mdpiopenaccess.bsky.social shows that virtual team-based care can strengthen communication & family involvement in hospital-to-LTC transitions for people with dementia—but success requires inclusive policies, clear protocols & leadership support: www.mdpi.com/3042-4518/2/...

Screenshot of the article title: “Virtual Team-Based Care Planning for Older Adults with Dementia: Enablers, Barriers, and Lessons from Hospital-to-Long-Term Care Transitions.” Authors listed include Lillian Hung, Paulina Santella, Denise Connelly, Mariko Sakamoto, Jim Mann, Ian Chan, Karen Lok Yi Wong, Mona Upreti, Harleen Hundal, Marie Lee Yous, and others.

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UBC IDEA Lab @idea.nursing.ubc.ca · 16d

@nurselillian.bsky.social and PhD students Joey Wong (Nursing; @ubc-vnursing.bsky.social) and Lily Haopu Ren (Interdisciplinary Studies) are on their way to Sweden 🇸🇪 to share UBC IDEA Lab’s work at #SocGeronTech Network’s 7th Annual Meeting. Stay tuned for updates 👀

Joey Wong, Lily Haopu Ren, and Dr. Lillian Hung (from left to right) smiling together in an airport jet bridge with an airplane visible outside the windows, traveling to Sweden for the Socio-Gerontechnology Network’s 7th Annual Meeting.

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UBC IDEA Lab @idea.nursing.ubc.ca · 17d

Today is #WorldAlzheimersDay. At the UBC IDEA Lab, we believe our work matters because people living with dementia matter. Through co-created research, we’re working toward a kinder, more compassionate future for dementia care 💜

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Reposted by UBC IDEA Lab

Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute @vchresearch.bsky.social · 17d

🤖 A new study led by VCHRI researcher Dr. Lillian Hung reveals how accessible, AI-enabled robot companions foster emotional engagement & social connection for residents of long-term care homes:

Fostering connection in long-term care with the help of social robots

As Canada’s aging population continues to grow, so does the demand for innovative solutions to enhance the care and quality of life for older adults. At the forefront of this technological shift is Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute researcher Dr. Lillian Hung, whose new study explored the potential of social robots to support well-being among residents of long-term care homes.

www.vchri.ca

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UBC IDEA Lab @idea.nursing.ubc.ca · 21d

Welcome to Bluesky, @vchresearch.bsky.social! Under @nurselillian.bsky.social’s leadership, our team is excited to keep learning and growing together as part of the VCHRI research community 🦋

Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute @vchresearch.bsky.social · 22d

🦋 Exciting news — we’ve joined Bluesky! Connect with us & stay up to date on the latest health research led by Vancouver Coastal Health & the University of British Columbia research community as well as funding opportunities, events & more.

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UBC IDEA Lab @idea.nursing.ubc.ca · 26d

FYI, this is what a transistor radio looks like 🤓

Image of a person holding a transistor radio.

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UBC IDEA Lab @idea.nursing.ubc.ca · 26d

“They were barely as large as an old transistor radio,” shared Fred Keating, UBC IDEA Lab patient partner.

In a new @theglobeandmail.com feature, @nurselillian.bsky.social and Fred reflect on the promise and challenges of “tiny” robots and the need for inclusive design:

Tiny robots, big questions – can tech help older adults with simple tasks?

Researchers are exploring how AI and small robots could support aging Canadians and ease caregiver strain

www.theglobeandmail.com

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UBC IDEA Lab @idea.nursing.ubc.ca · Sep 1

How can virtual reality support the psychosocial needs of residents living with dementia in long-term care? Our new qualitative study found VR can spark meaningful experiences, foster social ties, involve families, and engage residents even in later stages:

Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.

journals.sagepub.com

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UBC IDEA Lab @idea.nursing.ubc.ca · Aug 21

Barriers
⚠️ Unclear roles or expectations
⚠️ Unfamiliar or uncomfortable environments
⚠️ Limited participant diversity

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UBC IDEA Lab @idea.nursing.ubc.ca · Aug 21

What helps? (Facilitators)
✅ Adapted methods tailored for people with dementia
✅ Theoretical frameworks (e.g., Eden Alternative)
✅ Involving caregivers to support communication and trust

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UBC IDEA Lab @idea.nursing.ubc.ca · Aug 21

Our new scoping review in Digital Health (@journals.sagepub.com), led by @nurselillian.bsky.social, explores what helps and hinders co-designing #SocialRobots with older adults living with #Dementia. Read here:

Facilitators and barriers to codesigning social robots with older adults living with dementia: A scoping review - Lillian Hung, Irene Chen, Joey Wong, Yong Zhao, Karen Lok Yi Wong, Sadaf Murad-Kassam...

Background Social robots are increasingly used to support older adults living with dementia by providing not only reminders and companionship but also emotional...

journals.sagepub.com

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UBC IDEA Lab @idea.nursing.ubc.ca · Aug 18

@nurselillian.bsky.social will be joining a panel at @ubc-vnursing.bsky.social’s 57th Marion Woodward Lecture & Symposium, “The Future of Nursing in the Age of AI,” on Thursday, October 16 at the VIFF Theatre in Vancouver. Learn more & register: nursing.ubc.ca/community/ev...

The Future of Nursing in the Age of AI | UBC Nursing

57th MARION WOODWARD LECTURE The Future of Nursing in the Age of AI Dr. Charlene Chu, University of Toronto

nursing.ubc.ca

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UBC IDEA Lab @idea.nursing.ubc.ca · Aug 11

Nature via VR or projector can be transformative for hospital patients & LTC residents 🌳🏥

@nurselillian.bsky.social and PhD students Joey and Lily shared this work at @forestry.ubc.ca’s 2nd International Conference on Forest Therapy #ICFT2025

PhD students Joey Wong and Lily Haopu Ren present behind a lectern with a large slide of their VR dementia care poster projected behind them at the 2nd International Conference on Forest Therapy.

Dr. Lillian Hung speaks during a research panel at the 2nd International Conference on Forest Therapy, seated alongside other panelists in a classroom setting.

Joey Wong speaks with an attendee in front of her poster titled “Co-Creating Virtual Reality with Older Adults with Dementia.”

Lab manager Lily Haopu Ren, patient partner Lily Wong, and PhD student Joey Wong smile together holding a large Instagram-style photo frame at the 2nd International Conference on Forest Therapy.

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UBC IDEA Lab @idea.nursing.ubc.ca · Aug 7

@nurselillian.bsky.social #nursesky and UBC IDEA Lab patient partner Mario Gregorio recently joined Mark Niu @beingpatient.bsky.social to chat about how #SocialRobots like PARO and LOVOT are transforming #DementiaCare. Check it out:

Do Robots Have a Role in Life With Dementia?

YouTube video by Being Patient

www.youtube.com

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UBC IDEA Lab @idea.nursing.ubc.ca · Aug 4

New article alert!
How can music & co-leadership reshape dementia care?
We share insights from a 12-week community ukulele program co-led by a person with dementia, centering equity and inclusion.
Read the full article here: 🔗https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/21501319251360518

Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.

journals.sagepub.com

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Reposted by UBC IDEA Lab

MIVE Lab @mivelab.bsky.social · Jul 31

MIVE Lab at #AAIC25!
👂👁️👃 The Sensory Health and Cognition ISTAART PIA hosted a workshop on hearing, vision & smell in cognitive impairment with Natalie Phillips, @walterwittich.bsky.social, Carrie Nieman, Marilyn Reed & more.
🕶️ @jennycampos.bsky.social also spoke on VR/AR & aging w/ Dr. Lillian Hung

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UBC IDEA Lab @idea.nursing.ubc.ca · Jul 30

Our July 2025 newsletter is out now! If you haven’t already, subscribe to stay in the loop with UBC IDEA Lab team spotlights, project updates, upcoming events, and more: eepurl.com/ilKMy6

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UBC IDEA Lab @idea.nursing.ubc.ca · Jul 29

Check out this new community case study led by our PhD student Margaret Lin on using storytelling and #DesignJam workshops to co-create #LearningHealthSystems. Read here:

Frontiers | Engaging community to co-design learning health systems: lessons from storytelling and Design Jam, a community case study from British Columbia, Canada

Health and research systems produce vast amounts of data, yet only a fraction is used to improve healthcare delivery—especially for equity-deserving communit...

www.frontiersin.org

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UBC IDEA Lab @idea.nursing.ubc.ca · Jul 28

This past Saturday, @nurselillian.bsky.social shared our co-created VR project for Indigenous older adults at the Technology & Dementia Preconference of @alzassociation.bsky.social #AAIC2025. Honoured to see our inclusive innovation in dementia care represented on the global stage.

Dr. Lillian Hung speaking on stage at a podium labeled “AAIC 25,” with a large presentation slide behind her titled “Co-Create VR with Indigenous.” The slide includes a photo of a totem pole and a bulleted list outlining the goals of co-creating VR content with Indigenous older adults.

Dr. Lillian Hung and Dr. Jennifer Campos smiling and posing together in front of a tall purple sign that reads “AAIC 25, ISTAART, Technology and Dementia” at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2025 preconference venue.

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UBC IDEA Lab @idea.nursing.ubc.ca · Jul 23

Our TV study was featured on @citynewsvancouver.bsky.social today! @nurselillian.bsky.social @agingsmart.bsky.social shared how calming, familiar videos can help people living with dementia remember everyday tasks like drinking water. Watch the segment:

TV program helps dementia patients remember simple tasks

Researchers at VCH are using video technology to help evoke memories in dementia patients. Cecilia Hua reports.

vancouver.citynews.ca

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