The Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow has recently launched an immersive virtual tour of its neonatal intensive care unit in July 2024. This innovative tool aims to help alleviate anxiety for parents visiting their newborns by providing a realistic preview of what to expect at the unit.
Through this interactive experience, parents can familiarize themselves with the unit, meet the healthcare team, and learn about important aspects such as hand hygiene and mental health support. The tour incorporates real audio from the neonatal unit to simulate the environment and includes information on the equipment used.
Dr. Neil Patel, consultant neonatologist at the hospital, expressed the importance of supporting families during what can be a stressful time. The virtual tour was co-developed with families within the unit, ensuring that it addresses their needs and concerns.
Supported by HI Scotland and the West of Scotland Innovation Hub, the virtual tour offers accessibility features such as translation for text and voice elements, as well as a British Sign Language version. The initiative was spearheaded by senior charge nurse Tracey Clinton and developed in collaboration with patients’ families and the hospital’s neonatal team.
The tour, created by graphic designer David Springford, aims to enhance family preparation, reduce anxiety, and improve the overall patient experience for families with newborns in the neonatal unit. This project has been a vital lifeline for many families, providing reassurance and support during a challenging time.
In addition, other healthcare facilities like Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, and Salisbury NHS Foundation Trust are also embracing digital transformation by implementing System C’s BadgerNet maternity system for their maternity services.
