In a patient-centred approach, Dr. Clare Burns (MNH) and Dr. Elise Gane (MSH) with an allied health team are exploring the use of immersive virtual reality (I-VR) environments to support patients undergoing rehabilitation.
"Allied Health Professionals, work with people facing various health challenges such as stroke, spinal cord injuries, and orthopaedic conditions, resulting in physical, cognitive, or communication impairments," they said.
“The aim is to improve their overall functioning.
“However, most therapy occurs in a clinical setting, limiting the opportunity to practice these tasks in real-life situations.
“That's where virtual reality (VR) steps in.
“Immersive virtual reality (I-VR) projects a 3-dimensional computer image into a head-mounted display; it’s an exciting and emerging area in rehabilitation.
“I-VR has real potential to bridge the gap from the clinic room to everyday settings.
“Members of this research team from UQ’s RECOVER Injury Research Centre, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS) and RBWH recently created a supermarket and office I-VR environment.
“This grant will allow us to co-design therapy programs with clinicians and consumers and find the best ways to use these I-VR environments in rehabilitation."
“Patients can put the skills they have gained from therapy sessions to practical use,” Dr Burns said.
This allied health-led project brings together expertise of clinicians and researchers from Metro North Health, Metro South Health and The University of Queensland.
Dr Gane said “This technology has the potential to greatly benefit our patients, and we’re excited about the possibilities for its future implementation".
Executive Director Allied Health Dr Kellie Stockton said the funding was announced at THRIVE, this year’s joint Metro South and Metro North Allied Health Research Symposium.
“The THRIVE grants focus on innovative research that has collaboration across the two HHS,” she said.
A Consumer Engagement Micro Grant from the Centre for Functioning and Health Research will also support consumer participation in this study.