Events

Research talk by Prof. Edwin Blake from the university of Cape Town, South Africa.

Date:4th July 2008,
Time: 12:30h
Place: IRI Seminar Room, Centro de Realidad Virtual de Barcelona - Parc Tecnològic de Barcelona - c/ Llorens i Artigas 4-6. 08028 Barcelona.

Title: Using Virtual Environments to Support People Living with HIV

Abstract:
South Africa's health sector has to cope with one of the world's highest HIV prevalence rates and novel Information Technology solutions can assist with support. Over the past four years we have iteratively developed prototype virtual environment applications (VEs) using an adapted user centred design method to provide emotional and informational support to people living with HIV. Our prototype VEs provided narratives of responses to HIV diagnoses, factual information related to the virus within the human blood stream, and nutritional information. They were tested in Cape Town, South Africa with semi-literate users in three separate studies. Despite the subjects' low computer literacy, the systems were found to be usable and empowering. A particular advantage of the VEs was the anonymity provided to the users, since many infected individuals are afraid of disclosing their HIV status, and so do not receive conventional support. It seems that the system will be a useful adjunct to peer support groups.