VR Therapy Platform for Remote PTSD Care in NICU Mothers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mental health treatments for perinatal populations, particularly those at risk for PTSD due to NICU experiences, are inadequate and inaccessible, with over 50% of affected mothers not receiving adequate care, and there is a lack of specialized telemedicine solutions for managing mental health disorders like PMADs and PTSD.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing immersive virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) therapy platforms for administering therapy sessions, allowing practitioners to observe patients in real-time and provide guidance, with personalized stress inoculation therapy to help patients develop coping mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional in-person therapy is provided to perinatal patients, then treatment effectiveness can be improved, but geographic accessibility and ease of access to care deteriorates due to transportation barriers and provider availability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of therapeutic environments and provider-patient interactions through VR/AR technology. Patients can experience controlled exposure to NICU-related stressors and receive therapy in virtual spaces that replicate real-world scenarios, eliminating the need for physical presence while maintaining therapeutic effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of in-person physical therapy delivery with a digital/virtual system. VR headsets, AR devices, and remote communication technologies substitute for face-to-face interactions, allowing therapy to be delivered remotely while maintaining clinical effectiveness through immersive virtual environments
2Reliability
If specialized care is provided to mothers at risk for PTSD in NICU settings, then mental health outcomes can be improved, but device complexity and system requirements increase due to need for immersive therapy platforms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs VR/AR therapy platforms that serve multiple functions: they provide controlled exposure therapy, facilitate virtual reality sessions, enable AR-based interventions, and support remote provider-patient communication. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate specialized systems into a single integrated platform
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces VR/AR technology as an intermediary between the patient and therapeutic content. Rather than requiring direct complex interactions between patients and multiple therapeutic modalities, the immersive technology mediates these interactions, simplifying the system architecture while maintaining specialized care capabilities
3Productivity
If immersive VR/AR therapy is administered to patients, then engagement and treatment effectiveness can be improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to need for specialized equipment and setup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements systems where patients can independently initiate and control aspects of their therapy sessions. The platform allows patients to self-navigate virtual environments, control exposure pacing, and manage their own therapeutic experiences with minimal provider intervention, reducing the operational burden despite the immersive technology
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for behavioral and mental healthcare management. A system is comprised of a web-based platform and a device configured for an experiential virtual therapy session, such as a virtual reality (VR) and/or an augmented reality (AR) device. The therapy session is experienced by the patient alone or is simultaneously experienced by the patient and a healthcare practitioner such that the practitioner can directly observe the patient's reactions within the context of the simulation and provide real-time feedback during the session to help the patient develop coping skills. The system implements novel analytical approaches for clinicians to quantify and manage multidimensional aspects of mental health to improve the health and well-being of the patient for measurable behavioral health.