North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare and University Hospitals of North Midlands have launched a new VR (Virtual Reality) film designed to help staff and other healthcare professionals understand the effects of patients suffering from delirium.
Called ‘Combined VR’ (CVR), the training technology will support healthcare staff in creating conversations, increase understanding and promote empathy towards those with delirium – encouraging staff to ‘think delirium,’ the trust says.
The platform – which uses multi-projected environments to generate realistic images and sounds to simulate a user’s physical presence in a virtual environment – places the viewer within the head of a patient with delirium, where they experience the thoughts, sounds and sights brought about by the illness.
The delusions shown within the CVR film include thoughts that staff are trying to ‘poison the patient’ and that the ‘building is under attack’, until a staff member recognises the symptoms and comes to assist the patient in distress.
Dr Buki Adeyemo, Interim Chief Executive, commented on the Combined VR technology: “As an older person’s clinician, as well as a strong advocate for the adoption and spread of new digital tools and technologies, this is a perfect example of how we can marry clinical insight and knowledge with innovation and imagination. Congratulations to everyone from across both trusts involved in delivering this amazing outcome.”
Chris Bird, Executive Director of Partnerships, Strategy and Digital, added: “One of the jewels in the Combined crown is our passionate commitment to – and brilliant track record in – the very best in digital communications and engagement. So, it’s no surprise to see us pushing the boat out in our adoption and use of Virtual Reality.”
The trust showcased an example of the video on YouTube below – you can either watch the training video through a VR headset or in a normal web browser – drag and move to experience the 360 degree effect.
