Well, according to a growing number of peer-reviewed studies, including this most recent one ‘Virtual Reality on Mobile Phones to Reduce Anxiety in Outpatient Surgery’*, it can.
Researchers used everyday mobile-based VR to immerse outpatients in calming environments, and the results were striking: significant reductions in pre-operative anxiety without expensive equipment or drugs. This echoes positive feedback and anecdotal comments we’ve received over the past couple of years at Ocean3D.co.uk.
Our WCAG-compliant virtual tours at two NHS trusts, BOSENCE FARM COMMUNITY LIMITED and, most recently, Morrab Surgery, in Cornwall’ allow patients to explore spaces before they arrive. For many with hidden disabilities or heightened anxiety, that familiarisation is often the difference between fear and calm. Fight or flight. Attend an important medical appointment, or cancel/ not attend.
👉 Morrab Surgery tour
And virtual tours are not just a low-cost and proven way of reducing anxiety, leading to better clinical outcomes….
A legal opinion from Louise Mankau Doughty Street Chambers has confirmed that WCAG compliant tours can be considered a reasonable adjustment under The Equality Act 2010 – an “auxiliary aid” that providers are expected to consider. So here’s the question:
👉 If reducing anxiety, improving patient experience, and meeting legal duties can be achieved with technology that costs about the same budgetary equivalent as a daily cup of coffee**, why wouldn’t every healthcare provider make this adjustment?
Chris Wood
CEO Owner
Ocean3D.co.uk
Ocean 3D is proud to be working with NHS trusts and GP surgeries on exactly this challenge – making healthcare more accessible, one space at a time.
*Osama Hosny, Ahmed Alaraby, Ahmed Elhoseny, Ahmed S. Salama, and Mohamed A. El-Sayed – Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan. Italy. 👉 Full study link
** A typical sized WCAG compliant tour, created by Ocean 3D, fully annotated, hosted and supported for one year, often costs the same or even less than a daily cup or two of high street made coffee in budgetary terms. Accessibility with an accessible price.
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