VR prototype designed to relieve patient anxiety

USA: Saritasa Technology Solutions have released a new virtual reality (VR) software prototype to get children comfortable with medical procedures before surgery.

Developed by Saritasa Technology Solutions and Before Inc., the unique VR experience gives children and young teenagers a chance to familiarize themselves with medical tools in a safe environment ahead of their medical procedure to relieve preoperative anxiety.

The prototype of immersive VR walkthrough of medical procedures is currently undergoing tests at children’s hospitals and clinics to reduce stress for pediatric patients undergoing surgery.

VR tool gives ‘hands-on’ experience with medical devices

According to a report by Pediatric Health, Medicine and Therapeutics, several studies indicate that 50% to 75% of pediatric patients suffer from preoperative stress. Before Inc. is addressing the problem by developing a VR tool that allows patients to experience what will happen on the day of their surgery using VR.

“Even minor surgery can be terrifying for kids. My daughter struggled with anxiety before a minor operation and that experience made me realize how important it is to listen to our kids and provide them with tools to cope.” said Dr Warren Scott Comulada, co-founder of Before, Inc.

“We created a virtual experience to make kids more comfortable with what happens in the operating room. They get ‘hands-on’ experience with blood pressure machines, oxygen masks, and other medical devices. It’s much more realistic and more effective than using picture books or videos.”

VR not just for gaming

Dr Comulada is a Professor-in-Residence at the University of California, Los Angeles, Schools of Medicine and Public Health, with a passion for applications for digital health tools, such as text messaging, chatbots, and peer support platforms. Recognizing the need for new tools to address preoperative pediatric patient anxiety, Comulada worked with child life specialists and children to develop a human-centered design for a usable, friendly, and helpful tool. When it became clear that VR would be an ideal platform, the Before team approached Saritasa for support with development.

“Most people still think virtual reality is only for gaming and that couldn’t be further from the truth,” said Aaron Franko, VP of Immersive Technology at Saritasa. “Companies are using the technology in so many unique ways. It’s exciting to help bring a product to market that encourages the protection and treatment of mental health.”

About the developers

Established in 2021, Before Inc. provides products and services to help acclimate and mentally prepare patients and their families for medical procedures.

Founded in 2005, Saritasa specializes in custom software development, mobile development, augmented reality and virtual reality development, IoT solutions, web, database development, and DevOps.