A free NHS treatment plan using virtual reality (VR) technology has been launched for patients who suffer with needle phobia.
Vita Health Group, who has integrated the NHS treatment plan into its psychological care pathway, aims to equip people with techniques and strategies to manage Trypanophobia - a fear of needles – as the COVID-19 vaccination process continues.
The VR treatment plan has initially been rolled out to residents in the regions of Basildon and Brentwood and Kent and Medway.
Sessions have been designed for remote delivery and will be held under the guidance of a qualified Vita Health Group therapist who will guide the patient through techniques and strategies to manage their fear of having the COVID-19 vaccine.
The treatment gradually increases patients’ exposure to scenarios that they would usually avoid by immersing them into medical procedure-related environments.
During therapy sessions, patients will experience three-dimensional, computer-generated environments created by Psious, a VR platform for psychology and mental health. A simulation of a medical waiting room and a real blood draw will be used to help therapists both evaluate and treat patients with distress and anxiety in a safe and controlled environment.
Philip Adkins, National IAPT clinical lead at Vita Health Group, said: “Up to 10% of people in the UK suffer from needle phobia and it is a fear that could prevent them from taking the COVID-19 vaccine. Phobias can have a hugely negative impact on peoples’ lives, but VR technology provides individuals with an opportunity to defeat their crippling fear and is a gateway to living a freer life long-term. The treatment plan has been designed to be delivered remotely and is already proving to be a lifeline for patients with needle phobia. The needle phobia treatment plan ensures we can help people conquer their fear without having to leave their home.”
Psychological therapy delivered automatically by a VR coach can produce large clinical benefits. Research has demonstrated VR treatments have the potential to greatly increase treatment provision for mental health disorders.
Vanessa Dodds, cognitive behavioural therapist (CBT) at Vita Health Group, said: “VR is very effective at bridging the gap between real-life exposure and what the patient feels able to do at the time they enter treatment. It has been particularly useful for needle phobia because the process of preparing for and giving an injection is not something that can be replicated in a therapy room. Administering a COVID-19 booster and then annual vaccinations are probable, according to Britain’s vaccine deployment minister. Managing procedural distress with VR treatment can also provide long-term benefits by increasing compliance, thus reducing the likelihood of avoidance in the future.”
