NeuronsVR: Revolutionising Patient Wellbeing at St George Hospital’s Acute Dementia Ward

At NSW Health’s St George Hospital in Kogarah, innovation and compassionate care come together to create a positive impact on the lives of patients in their acute dementia ward. Over the past few years, the hospital has been utilising NeuronsVR Virtual Reality Therapy as a groundbreaking approach to manage and improve the well-being of patients with advanced dementia. This therapy is proving to be a game-changer, offering an effective alternative to traditional treatments such as psychotropic medications.

A Revolutionary Approach to Dementia Care

For those living with dementia, behavioural challenges often seem to peak in the late afternoon and evening. This time of day is characterised by increased agitation, confusion and anxiety.

Often in medical facilities, this is the time of day where psychotropic medications are used to manage these symptoms, however, NSW Health and the team at St George Hospital have taken a different approach.

Recognising the need for safer and more effective interventions, the hospital introduced NeuronsVR Virtual Reality Therapy to their acute dementia ward. This innovative therapy immerses patients in soothing, familiar and engaging environments, helping them reconnect with pleasant memories and experiences.

Positive Impact on Patient Wellbeing

One of the most remarkable outcomes of NeuronsVR therapy is the sustained improvement in patients’ state of mind. After a session, patients have been found to experience an improvement in mood that lasts for up to 3 hours, a significant development for those dealing with advanced dementia. This therapy has shown particular effectiveness in mitigating the symptoms during those challenging afternoon hours, providing a much-needed sense of calm and fulfillment.

By addressing the unmet needs that often trigger agitation, NeuronsVR therapy is helping to reduce the reliance on psychotropic medications, offering a safer and more holistic approach to dementia care.

Clinical Success and Research Recognition

The success of NeuronsVR at St George Hospital has not gone unnoticed. The therapy has been approved by the hospital’s ethics committee and is currently part of an ongoing clinical study led by Olivia Paulik. The results have been so promising that Olivia has been invited to present the findings at the International Dementia Conference (IDC) 2024 in September, a prestigious event that draws experts from around the world to discuss the latest advancements in dementia care.

Olivia will be speaking on “Virtual reality therapy for people living with dementia in acute hospital settings: a feasibility study” and sharing the results from the clinical trial at the hospital.

The objective for this study is to determine the feasibility and acceptability of inpatient NeuronsVR therapy for people with Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Olivia and her team are using prospective evaluation of the acceptability and feasibility of NeuronsVR therapy for 30 patients living with dementia at one metropolitan hospital. Participants will receive a personalised 10-minute VR therapy session, and their response will be assessed using the Engagement of a Person with Dementia Scale (EPWDS).  This will be the first ever formal study of NeuronsVR therapy. It is anticipated that this therapy will be feasible for use in hospital settings and will be acceptable to people experiencing BPSD. Findings may guide larger randomised controlled trials.

Looking Ahead

As the clinical study continues, St George Hospital remains committed to exploring the full potential of virtual reality therapy in dementia care. The early results are encouraging, and the team is eager to share their findings with the global dementia care community at IDC 2024.

NeuronsVR is honoured to partner with NSW Health St George Hospital in this important work, and we look forward to seeing how this innovative therapy continues to transform the lives of patients with dementia.

Are You Ready to See How NeuronsVR Could Improve the Lives of Your Residents or Patients?

The use of NeuronsVR Virtual Reality Therapy at St George Hospital is a testament to the power of innovation in healthcare. By offering a safe, effective, and non-invasive alternative to traditional treatments, this therapy is making a real difference in the lives of those with a diagnosis of dementia. As we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, we remain dedicated to improving patient well-being and setting new standards in dementia care.

For more information about NeuronsVR and our work with healthcare providers like St George Hospital, please contact us or have a look through our website. Together, we can create a brighter future for those living with dementia.