Gametherapy - VR tool for helping with specific phobias and fears.
About this good practice
Problem: Specific phobias and fears of people could be healed by using of virtual reality. To develop an effective tool, Gametherapy company needed financial resources.
Implementation: Embedding the scientifically-proven method of virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) into a gaming context makes it possible to practice the exposure to feared objects and situations in a playful, yet highly effective way. All this with long-lasting results.
As a self-help tool designed for individuals with specific phobias, GAMETHERAPY addresses the gap of overbooked mental health professionals, long waiting lists and high therapy costs. In the games, user will be guided by a virtual avatar serving as a psychologist.
Using the advanced technology of biofeedback, our virtual therapeutic games allow user to be aware of bodily response to a stress stimulus, such as his/her heartbeat. In addition, user will learn to relax effectively, which allows him/her to quickly gain control over his/her fear.
Main stakeholders: Slovak Innovation and Energy Agency, Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic, Gametherapy company.
Beneficiaries: Gametherapy company, patients, dealing with specific phobias and fears.
Resources needed
PROUNION a.s. needed financial support for the research of Gametherapy tool.
Slovak Innovation And Energy Agency donated research by 14 960 euro innovation voucher in "Innovation Vouchers for BBSK region" call.
Evidence of success
Various events where people could try the VR therapeutic tool, articles about the tool in relevant media. Patients that tried the tool themselfs.
References on the project homepage:
https://www.gametherapy.eu/references
Potential for learning or transfer
Slovak Innovation And Energy Agency has implemented seven calls so far: IPCEI (for Important Projects of Common European Interest), Innovation Vouchers BBSK, Innovation Vouchers Slovakia, Innovation Vouchers Slovakia 2.0, Innovation Vouchers Slovakia 3.0, Innovation Vouchers Healthy Society, and Innovation Vouchers Healthy Society 2.0. Entrepreneurs developed innovation projects that were evaluated by an expert committee. A total of 474 vouchers were reimbursed, amounting to 7,540,000 euros. Among them, we can mention, for example, a "growing" children's bicycle, biomechanical finger prosthetics, or a smart appointment scheduling system for patients.
We gained specific know how and useful experiences during the various calls, that we can share and other companies can use it.
Our agency also did an exploration among requesters of the innovation vouchers, so we can share specific information to make next calls easier for others.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
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