Virtual reality helping hospital patients feel less anxious
An innovative project using virtual reality (VR), supporting people coming to hospital with learning disabilities or autism, has been shortlisted for a prestigious award.
The Nursing Times Awards nomination is in the category of Learning Disabilities Nursing for a team of staff at the Trust, using VR headsets for those with healthcare anxiety.
The OVRcome project uses the headsets to show patients footage of areas and procedures that might make them worry about coming to hospital, potentially delaying essential care.
Helping people feel more at ease before they come into hospital are the Head of Patient Experience, the Innovation team and the Learning Disability and Autism team, with funding for the project coming from the Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) Healthcare.
Sarah Haines, Head of Patient Experience, said: "Being shortlisted for the national Nursing Times Awards is a tremendous honour. It highlights the team's dedication to providing personalised and compassionate care, meeting the unique needs of patients with learning disabilities or autism. The OVRcome project helps make healthcare more accessible and less stressful for them and their families.”
Winners will be announced at the annual awards ceremony in London this October.