Pioneering virtual reality technology to support our patients
We are delighted to be launching a new research trial at Springfield University Hospital to explore how virtual reality (VR) technology could help improve wellbeing for people staying on our wards.
Led by Chief Investigator, Dr Aileen O’Brien, and Trial Manager Megan Cartier, the study is funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) in partnership with Phase Space. It is a collaboration between our Trust, and City St. George's, working together to explore how VR technology can support the wellbeing of our patients.
The trial will begin on Burntwood Villas and Phoenix Ward, with plans to expand to other acute wards across Springfield. Patients and staff will be at the heart of the project, actively shaping a new a new VR wellbeing app by testing it and sharing their feedback to ensure it is supportive, and tailored to their needs.
In the first stage, sixteen patients and six staff members will take part, helping to adapt the app for use in mental health recovery. In the second stage, the updated app will be piloted with fifteen inpatients to see if it can help reduce stress and anxiety, while also exploring its potential as an ongoing support tool.
Principal Investigator, Dr. Aileen O'Brien said:
“Virtual reality headsets present a magnitude of possibilities. It is great to see research looking into how VR can benefit mental health care, and I am glad to be leading the team that is bringing it to wards at Springfield. By putting patients and staff at the heart of this research, we hope to discover new ways technology can support wellbeing, reduce stress, and make everyday care on our wards more positive.”
