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OUR RESEARCH

PROJECT VAE

RESEARCH STUDIES

Our research focused on the hypothesis:

 

“Using Virtual Reality headsets to deliver 360° video field trips to hospice patients, will have a positive effect on their mental health & wellbeing.”

 

Project Vae, the research arm of Vae Care, in collaboration with our partners at Keele University and The Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, will be conducting research studies to further investigate and evidence the positive mental health and wellbeing benefits of utilising Virtual Reality to deliver field trips to vulnerable people.

 

Discover more about our research and study results:

ST GEORGE'S HOSPITAL

VIRTUAL REALITY STUDY

In 2024 we conducted a 6-month research trial using this technology with a local mental health hospital, St George’s Hospital- Inpatient Mental Health Wards. Over the course of 6 months, the patients were taken on virtual field trips to Germany, Scotland, Cornwall, The Peak District, Portugal, Madeira & Turkey. The hypothesis of the study was that the use of virtual reality headsets to deliver field trip experiences to patients on adult or older adult inpatient mental health wards will have a positive impact on an individual’s mood, anxiety and overall mental well-being.

Provisional feedback and early conclusions from the study are very positive and we look forward to publishing our findings.

A huge thank you must go out to Stephanie Haig for her dedication and hard work on this project. Additionally to all parties involved, including staff and participants for driving this study to be such a success.

  • Full Study Documentation Coming Soon

KATHARINE HOUSE HOSPICE

VIRTUAL REALITY STUDY

In 2021 we conducted a 6-week research trial using this technology with a local Stafford-based hospice, Katharine House Hospice. Over the course of 6 weeks, the patients were taken on virtual field trips to Germany, Scotland, Cornwall, The Peak District, The Royal Albert Dock & Thailand. The goal of the trial was to measure and observe any potential mental health benefits of using this technology with this demographic. The trial was a huge success and it was thoroughly enjoyed by all participants.

 

This study was funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and the research element was in partnership with Keele University and The Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust. A huge thank you must go out to all parties involved for helping this study to be such a success.

76
of Patients
rated that the experience had significant beneficial effects on their mental health.
75
of Patients
reported an improvement in feeling nervous, anxious or on edge post trial.
50
of Patients
reported an improvement in feeling down, depressed or hopeless post trial.
100
of Patients
felt considerably less anxious towards the technology and viewing VR experiences after the trial was concluded.
76
of Patients
rated that the experience had significant beneficial effects on their mental health.
75
of Patients
reported an improvement in feeling nervous, anxious or on edge post trial.
50
of Patients
reported an improvement in feeling down, depressed or hopeless post trial.
100
of Patients
felt considerably less anxious towards the technology and viewing VR experiences after the trial was concluded.

THE HOSPICE STUDY VIDEO

IMAGES FROM THE STUDY