National award for VR project helping patients with learning disabilities
A project that helps patients with learning disabilities or autism to feel more at ease in hospital has won a prestigious national award.
The programme, known as oVRcome, has taken the top spot in the Learning Disabilities Nursing category at the Nursing Times Awards 2024. It was recognised for supporting individuals with learning disabilities or autism to manage the mental stress that can come with being in a clinical environment.
Eligible patients are given virtual reality (VR) glasses to watch footage of clinical environments and procedures. This makes them feel more comfortable before coming to hospital and eases any worries that could otherwise delay essential care.
The videos are created based on patient feedback and feature scenarios filmed at Basildon, Broomfield and Southend hospitals.
Claire Turner, Learning Disability, Autism and Dementia Service Lead at the Trust, said: “This is the third award we’ve received for the oVRcome project, and we hope this recognition highlights how our teams are supporting patients to access much-needed care more comfortably. We have worked with patients on the project to make sure it best suits their needs and improves their experience in hospital.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have won; we were up against some really tough competition.”
The oVRcome project team includes staff from the Trust’s Learning Disability and Autism, Patient Experience and Innovation teams.