Virtual reality a physiotherapy gamechanger
Bupa is inviting customers to take part in an innovative new trial that combines virtual reality (VR) and physiotherapy to deliver immersive exercise plans in the comfort of their own home.
The initial roll-out will be delivered in partnership with XRHealth, a leading international developer of VR telehealth platforms.
As part of the treatment process, patients are paired with a personal clinician via telehealth who then designs a unique treatment plan with VR exercises to make the experience fun and engaging. Throughout the program, clinicians monitor patient progress through a real-time data-driven dashboard for the duration of their recovery journey.
Emily Amos, Bupa’s Managing Director of Health Insurance said providing customers with tech-driven health services in the home has never been more important, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where accessing physiotherapy in the clinic can be difficult.
“We trialled this with selected customers earlier in the year and the results were overwhelmingly positive with customers reporting that they enjoyed the XRHealth program and found it extremely convenient.
“This has the potential to be a truly transformational offering and we are looking forward to seeing the results of the expanded trial,” said Ms Amos.
Following the trial, Bupa will be scaling-up by making the platform available to more customers from 1 September 2020 as part of the Members First Network, with a wider rollout planned for 2021.
Eran Orr, CEO of XRHealth said he is excited to be partnering with Australia’s largest health insurer to deliver this innovative model of care to Australia.
“XRHealth was developed based on my experiences using VR flight simulations as a Fighter Pilot.
“VR is a real gamechanger with regards to physiotherapy treatment and after years of research and development, our technology is used by a broad range of patients in the USA. Based on our research, we believe there is a similar level of demand in the Australian market,” said Mr Orr.
Bupa is currently seeking participants for the program and encourages customers to sign up for the solution via https://www.bupa.com.au/health-programs/xrhealth
The trial is designed for customers seeking physiotherapy treatment[1].
[1] XRHealth will be offered as a part of Bupa’s Members First Network, with the hire of the VR headset being complimentary during the trial period.
Media reference number: 20/088
