Gloucestershire hospitals hope VR trial will lead to medical advancement
The virtual reality headsets are being used by patients in hospital for extended stays for them to experience other environments.
Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust are hopeful a new trial of virtual reality headsets on patients will create opportunities for the tool's use in medical training.
Virtual reality headsets are currently being trialled on patients spending extended periods of time in hospital.
The technology allows them to visit local landmarks such as the Dean Forest Railway and Puzzlewoods and the trust hope to work with Gloucester Cathedral and Gloucester Rugby Club in the future.
It is already used in the hospitals for things like helping medical professionals understand the experience of having visual impairments.
The suggestion was brought forward by the patient experience team to see if there were other ways the tool could be used.
Stephen Lewis, who works as an Immersive Learning Technology Officer for the trust, says the feedback has been positive so far.
"There have been a lot of smiles and some tears.
"It's by no means a way to replace the fact that people will eventually want to go outside again, it's to help those patients who aren't able to yet."
Currently, Mr Lewis and other members of the team acquire footage in their own time, visiting local hotspots and recording footage, with permission, using a 360 degree camera.
"What our project focuses on specifically is the community and local aspect, reliving memories and visiting places that are meaningful to patients."
They hope it will lead to positive clinical outcomes and that it will familiarise more members of hospital staff with virtual reality.
"As the technology becomes more accessible and affordable, its potential continues to grow. By involving patients in the use of VR now, we’re also supporting staff in becoming familiar with these tools a step that we hope will help us deliver more enhanced training led by these technologies in the future."
Consent is required to take part.