Oxford VR a developer of VR-enabled therapy has launched an initiative with AXA HK and the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK). The initiative called ‘Yes I Can’, will offer treatment using virtual reality technology to AXA’s corporate customers as part of their employee benefits services to drive better mental health outcomes in Asia.
A survey from YouGov highlights in Hong Kong, one in seven people has a mental health problem such as anxiety and depression. The survey also shows that one in eight say they would be unable to have a conversation about a mental wellbeing issue with a partner or close family member. The main reasons cited are 36% of them think that discussing mental wellbeing could change how others perceive them, whereas 27% say they can’t afford the time or money to seek professional mental health services.
Barnaby Perks, CEO at Oxford VR said “This is a solution whose time has come, and we are very excited to collaborate with AXA Hong Kong and CUHK to launch our VR treatment programme. Technology holds the key to making high-quality mental health care more patient-centred and accessible. This strategic partnership with AXA HK and The Chinese University of Hong Kong exemplifies our global leadership role in creating ground-breaking, clinically-validated, VR-enabled mental health solutions which have the capacity to bring unprecedented change to healthcare outcomes in the region.”
Using the platform users are gradually and systematically exposed to powerful simulations of everyday environments such as a Café, Bus, Street, Doctor’s Waiting Room and Convenience Store where they are guided by a virtual coach through a series of tasks that trigger anxiety. Because users know that these simulations are not real, they have the confidence to try things that they would normally avoid, enabling them to challenge and overcome their intrusive thoughts.
Gordon Watson, Chief Executive Officer of AXA Asia said “Yes I Can’ is about changing the status quo by offering a highly innovative and high-quality mental health solution free to members of the public in need and to our corporate customers as part of their employee benefits services free access. We aim to changes lives in Asia, with Hong Kong pioneering this initiative in breaking new ground.”
Professor Rocky S. Tuan Vice-Chancellor / President, CUHK “CUHK is committed to translating our excellent academic research to address global challenges and benefit humanity. Applying automation and VR technology to treatment can increase the accessibility of mental health services in a format that the public may find less stigmatising and much easier to embrace. By building up an evidence base of VR therapeutic experience in the Chinese context, we hope to expand the pioneering mental health services delivery modes in Hong Kong and Greater China.”
