Prototyping XR Solutions in Mental Health
Earlier this year, the University of Liverpool launched a new initiative to promote the development and use of Extended Reality (XR) – including virtual and augmented reality – in the provision of healthcare services. The programme of activities involves academics from its Civic Health Innovation Labs (CHIL) collaborating with experts in the field to:
better understand the XR landscape in healthcare;
explore the opportunities and challenges associated with XR development, adoption and spread, working in conjunction with NHS partners; and
offer grant funding and technical support to realise prototype solutions with industry.
Over recent months, CHIL commissioned Holovis, a global leader in immersive technology, with the support of Rivermotion Group and The Insight Works, to map the XR landscape in mental health, present a high-level analysis of the potential for innovation in XR in the Liverpool City Region, and co-design a number of XR prototypes with Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust that could benefit patients and the workforce.
We’re sharing the results of their work today to inform healthcare professionals and XR developers who are eager to pioneer in the space.
A clear opportunity for XR in mental health
The Landscape Review undertaken by Holovis provides an initial snapshot of the XR landscape in healthcare - identifying the barriers to growth, uncovering the opportunities and showcasing success. It, also, seeks to demonstrate the value such innovations could potentially bring to both clinical and non-clinical settings, informing strategic decision making.
A strong local ecosystem
The Liverpool City Region’s XR Ecosystem report presents a range of companies already using or developing XR products for broad-ranging clients. The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is acknowledged as supporting them by helping to provide an identity for what is becoming a vibrant business ecosystem over time.
To better understand the capabilities of the ecosystem, Holovis categorises organisations into four groups. This is not intended to be prescriptive and respects that there may be overlaps, but it does provide an overview of how the ecosystem is developing its capabilities:
Six priority prototype areas
The Prototype Selection Framework flows from scoping conversations and primary research undertaken with clinical experts from Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust.
Emerging from workshops and interviews with Mersey Care teams, and by exploring their needs in relation to new technology opportunities in the XR space, six potential areas for prototype development were identified:
Tools for training staff in identifying comorbidities in patients, presenting mental health conditions
Gamification for the enhancement of teamwork, problem-solving and resilience
Neuro rehabilitation therapy
Augmented and Mixed reality experiences for community-based therapies
AI-assisted therapy for behavioural and mood disorders in children
Connected Reality for patients in secure units or experiencing isolation
Holovis advocate a ‘Walled Garden’ to elevate one or more of the prototypes in a NHS setting – acknowledging the complexities surrounding pathways, protocols and regulation where HealthTech development underpinned by XR is concerned.
Looking ahead
We’re grateful to Holovis and Mersey Care colleagues for the work they’ve undertaken which will inform a forthcoming call for applications to work with the University of Liverpool to prototype XR solutions for mental health. CHIL will publish the results of work with other experts in the field later this Autumn.
Learn more
To explore the findings in detail, download the full reports:
Report A: An XR Landscape Review
Report B: Liverpool City Region’s XR Ecosystem
Report C: Towards a Prototype Selection Framework
INFORMATION ON THE REPORT CONTRIBUTORS
Holovis: An ISO-9001 accredited market leader in the design and installation of world-class experiential XR solutions for global themed entertainment, visitor attractions and enterprise clients. The company has offices in the UK (Midlands HQ), US (Orlando), China (Shanghai) and the UAE (Abu Dhabi) with work carried out by an in-house global team of specialist engineers, developers, creatives, producers, data scientists and project managers.
https://www.holovis.com/
Rivermotion Group: Provides advisory services around digital strategy, digital economy planning, AI and Immersive Tech to regional boards and councils across the UK, helping them to better understand how innovation and technology can positively impact digital inclusion, local economic growth, and health and life skills. The consultancy has played a central role in the Greater Manchester Digital Economy with its focus on infrastructure, skills and tech ecosystem development especially in relation to SME cluster growth and commercialisation.
https://rivermotiongroup.com/
The Insight Works: A leading-edge consultancy founded in 2005, providing services to both UK public and private sector clients. It has expertise in creative project design, innovation in public services and evaluation. Thematic areas of specialism include economic development and business support processes, organisational excellence, and innovation tools and techniques. The company’s diverse client base includes HM Government departments, local and combined authorities, UK universities and businesses seeking connections with the public sector.
https://www.theinsightworks.co.uk/
These reports have been prepared and written by a third party. They are published here for information purposes only. No representation, warranty or undertaking is given as to the accuracy or completeness of their contents, and neither the publisher nor any associated organisation accepts any liability for losses or damages arising from reliance on the information, analysis or recommendations it contains. Readers should exercise their own judgment and, where appropriate, seek independent advice before acting upon any of the material presented.