Using virtual reality to help children learn about hospitals

A virtual reality project led by researchers from the University of Reading and Royal Berkshire Hospital has successfully helped local school children learn more about what to expect from a trip to the hospital.

Evidence from healthcare providers suggests that children can often be anxious about visiting hospital, especially if it is an environment they have not seen before.

The “We’re going to hospital!” project created digital replicas of three children’s spaces at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, including a journey from the car park to main reception, the children’s clinic waiting area, and the X-Ray room. Using a 360° video camera, different types of digital replicas were created such as immersive VR films, 2D films, and interactive 3D models.

The digital replicas were shown to children in Reading schools, providing a fun and interactive way for the children to virtually experience the hospital environment, ask questions and provide feedback. It also provided an opportunity to hear the voices of the children and their own experiences, as they are often only represented by parents and carers.

The project was led by Dr Laura Maftei and Dr Ian Ewart from the School of the Built Environment at the University, working with the Children Strategy, Health Inequalities, and Patients Experience teams at Royal Berkshire Hospital.

Dr Laura Maftei said: “The use of digital technologies is always appealing to children (and sometimes daunting for teachers!) but it has enabled us to gather new perspectives into the hospital environment, and provided an opportunity for the children’s voices to be heard.” 

Makini Jones, Health Inequalities Project Manager at Building Berkshire Together, The Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This project is a glimpse into the future. It could have a significant and positive impact on how some people experience our hospital. The opportunity for parents and carers to prepare some service users for their interactions with the hospital would allow for a positive experience, effective patient assessments and better health outcomes in the long term.” 

Including children from all backgrounds

The schools that took part in the project represented a diverse range of children from different backgrounds, some with special educational needs and disabilities.

Rosslyn Proyart, Wellbeing Co-ordinator at the Avenue School in Reading, said: “Our pupils have to attend hospital on a regular basis and have embraced being part of the project to help make improvements and give their opinions on how small and large improvements could make visiting the hospital a more pleasant and, in some cases, less traumatic experience.

“They were all excited to watch the films and explore the different types of technologies the University brought to school. The VR headset was a winner as it isn’t a piece of equipment available in our school – it created a lot of excitement and discussion.”

Dr Ian Ewart said: “The enthusiasm we have seen from the hospital and the schools, and the results we are seeing from our demonstrations and discussions with the children has highlighted the importance of this research. We are more motivated than ever to expand these techniques to more hospital spaces, and to hear more from other under-represented groups.”

Funding

The project was enabled by funding from the University’s Community Engagement Fund, which sets aside a total of £30,000 every year to support local charities and community projects across the Thames Valley region.

University staff members can apply for funding to support projects they are involved with either as part of their job, or in a voluntary capacity. The projects must also further at least one of the University’s charitable objectives of advancing education, learning and research.