PatientVR

PatientVR is an innovative virtual reality (VR) platform and experience by Mobiddiction to support patient pain management, positive distraction, and overall well-being. Built over two years with 300+ industry consultations, the solution has undergone successful trials with NSW Health and QLD Metro South Health Departments and is now ready for commercialisation and global expansion. As part of the Investment NSW Going Global Program, PatientVR was showcased in the UK, where it gathered insights and opportunities for international adoption.

Patients undergoing treatments in palliative care, oncology, and post-operative recovery often experience significant distress, anxiety, and discomfort. Traditional pain management methods rely heavily on medication, which may not always be effective or desirable. Healthcare providers needed an alternative, non-invasive solution to enhance patient comfort, positive distraction and improve the hospital experience.

Patients undergoing treatments in palliative care, oncology, and post-operative recovery often experience significant distress, anxiety, and discomfort. Traditional pain management methods rely heavily on medication, which may not always be effective or desirable. Healthcare providers needed an alternative, non-invasive solution to enhance patient comfort, positive distraction and improve the hospital experience.

Developing a VR solution for patient care presented unique challenges. Hospitals often lack the technological infrastructure or expertise to support immersive VR experiences, making it critical to design a solution that is intuitive and requires minimal setup. Mobiddiction leveraged its experience in delivering large-scale digital programs to create a scalable and secure VR system. The platform runs on a standalone VR headset, eliminating the need for complex hardware installations. Rigorous research and development ensured compliance with data security standards, while extensive testing with hospitals refined the experience for real-world use.

Virtual reality is still relatively new in clinical environments, which required careful research and design into usability and constraints. PatientVR delivers immersive, interactive content that provides comfort and distraction during medical procedures. From calming nature landscapes to engaging gamified interactions, the platform helps reduce stress and improve patient satisfaction. The design prioritises accessibility, ensuring ease of use for both patients and medical staff. Our research into human-centred design and user experience was crucial in making VR a viable and effective tool in healthcare, ensuring it serves as a tool to enhance well-being rather than merely an escape.

With successful trials at Nepean Hospital Palliative Care and Logan Hospital, PatientVR is expanding its reach across healthcare institutions. Mobiddiction continues to refine the platform, integrating feedback from medical professionals and exploring new content tailored for different cultural and clinical contexts. The next phase includes expanding internationally and forging strategic partnerships with hospitals and healthcare providers.