VIRTUAL REALITY AND HYGIENE: PROTECTING YOUR PATIENTS DURING YOUR VIRTUAL REALITY SESSIONS

For several months, the entire world has been facing the Covid-19 epidemic, causing concern and anxiety among the general population. This has resulted in not only the risk of death due to the viral infection but also significant psychological pressure. Following government measures, particularly quarantine, individuals’ daily lives and habits have been disrupted. Several recent studies have highlighted the impact of these changes on individuals’ mental health, causing an increase in depressive and anxious symptoms and substance use disorders, among other issues. Given the psychological difficulties the population is facing, mental health professionals are at the forefront to provide psychotherapeutic care. The intervention of these professionals is especially crucial for at-risk populations: the elderly, who are often more socially isolated, those with psychiatric disorders, and those suffering from depression, anxiety, and substance use. However, the threat of a second pandemic wave is real, which is why adherence to health and hygiene rules is crucial.

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We use Artificial Intelligence both through a coach named Camille and through virtual characters within the scenes. Camille provides support and acts as a trusted companion to whom you can share your concerns without fear of judgment. On the other hand, the virtual characters faithfully replicate real-life social behaviors. You will be able to interact with them in various everyday contexts, such as a party, a date, a job interview, or a spontaneous conversation on the street. Learn more

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1. HOW TO LIMIT THE RISK OF SPREADING IN THE OFFICE

Given the health situation and to meet government hygiene recommendations, mental health professionals receiving patients in their office can follow different recommendations to limit the spread of Covid-19. The recommendations are as follows :

In the waiting room

  • Allow access only to patients with an appointment.
  • Display the measures related to barrier gestures in the waiting room.
  • Arrange chairs in the waiting room to respect physical distancing.
  • Inform patients not to arrive early for appointments to reduce the number of people present.
  • Provide hand sanitizer or a sink with soap.
  • Remove non-essential objects that could increase the risk of contamination (magazines, games, etc.).

In the office

  • Apply barrier measures by keeping a meter distance from patients.
  • Encourage remote appointment scheduling.
  • Wash hands regularly.
  • Ventilate the office between each consultation.
  • Regularly disinfect the office.
  • Suggest patients bring their own materials as much as possible (pens, etc.).


As much as possible, teleconsultation should be prioritized to reduce the risk of virus spread. To this end, C2Care offers the possibility to conduct your sessions and therapeutic care on the Psy.live platform. This simple and innovative platform supports secure payments and allows you to send tasks to be done at home to your patients. Using this platform will allow you to continue consultations given the health conditions and promote the psychological well-being of your patients. This platform offers greater accessibility to patients while reducing travel-related difficulties and also allows professionals to conduct consultations with patients residing abroad.

2. HOW TO USE VRET WHILE RESPECTING HYGIENE RULES AND PROTECTING PATIENTS

In light of the impact of this pandemic on the mental health of the general population, it appears that Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) has a predominant role to play. Firstly, because its effectiveness has been demonstrated in numerous scientific articles, especially for treating anxiety disorders and substance use disorders. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the transmission of this disease occurs through respiratory droplets from the mouth or nose of individuals when they talk, cough, or sneeze. Moreover, inhaling or touching surfaces that have been contaminated can lead to contracting the disease.

It is recommended that healthcare professionals and patients wash their hands before and after using virtual reality equipment and disinfect it. A solution exists to protect your patients while continuing to use virtual reality exposure. Indeed, for hygiene and safety reasons, C2Care offers silicone masks to protect your patients. Simply place it on the part of the headset in contact with the patient’s face. The advantage of this silicone mask is that it can be reused after being carefully disinfected. Thanks to this innovative solution, VRET can still be used by mental health professionals while adhering to government measures to maintain hygiene rules and ensure patient safety.

Sources :

OMS

https://www.who.int/fr/emergencies/diseases
/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/q-a-coronaviruses

Torales, J., O’Higgins, M., Castaldelli-Maia, J. M., & Ventriglio, A. (2020). The outbreak of COVID-19 coronavirus and its impact on global mental health. International Journal of Social Psychiatry, 0020764020915212.

http://pu.edu.pk/MHH-COVID-19/Articles/Article46.pdf

Armitage, R., & Nellums, L. B. (2020). COVID-19 and the consequences of isolating the elderly. The Lancet Public Health, 5(5), e256.

https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub
/article/PIIS2468-2667(20)30061-X/fulltext?rss=yes&utm_campaign=update-lanpub&utm_source=hs_email&utm_
medium=email&utm_content=85039243&
_hsenc=p2ANqtz–YDWFiXJ-HT78LxM8HBygn-LTrCpKYUjrY-dRgBFVO9m0rVQfPsUErqhv1snuKoLXwFoq
HB7EQrWaj2v6edSe2BKt_YA&_hsmi=850
39243

Druss, B. G. (2020). Addressing the COVID-19 pandemic in populations with serious mental illness. JAMA psychiatry.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/
jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/2764227

Do you need further information or have any specific questions ?

FAQ

Virtual reality (VR) is an innovative technology that enables patients to be exposed to immersive and controlled environments, facilitating the management of numerous psychological and psychiatric disorders. Its use in mental health offers several advantages:
  • Gradual and Controlled Exposure: VR allows patients to confront anxiety-inducing situations in a secure environment, gradually adjusting the intensity of stimuli to promote habituation and emotional regulation.
  • Realistic and Reproducible Environments: Unlike traditional techniques, VR provides immersive scenarios that can be consistently reproduced, ensuring a coherent and effective approach.
  • Increased Patient Engagement: The interactive and immersive nature of VR enhances treatment adherence and motivates patients to continue their therapy.
  • Personalized Treatment: Virtual environments can be adapted to meet the specific needs of each patient.
  • Versatile Applications: VR is used to treat anxiety disorders (phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorders), addictions, mood disorders, and even cognitive remediation.
The use of virtual reality in healthcare is not new! It has been studied and utilized for over 30 years in the medical and psychological fields. As early as the 1990s, researchers began exploring its potential for treating anxiety disorders, particularly phobias and post-traumatic stress disorder. Since then, numerous scientific studies have confirmed its effectiveness in addressing various psychiatric, neurological, and cognitive disorders.
Today, VR is widely integrated into therapeutic and medical practices, with clinically validated protocols. It is used in hospitals, clinics, and psychologists' offices worldwide to provide patients with innovative, effective, and safe treatments.
To use virtual reality, one must immerse themselves in a virtual environment. There are several ways to achieve this.
In the past, the CAVE system (Cave Automatic Virtual Environment), a 3D setup consisting of multiple screen walls, was the primary method used. This system allowed users to be fully immersed in the virtual world, with their movements detected in real-time. However, this technology was expensive and not widely accessible.
Since around 2016, with the introduction of virtual reality headsets like the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive, VR has become much more accessible. These headsets immerse users in virtual reality through an enclosed screen that projects digital images. The user's head movements are tracked, enabling them to look around and interact with the environment as they would in the real world.
Today, VR headsets are wireless and standalone, providing maximum comfort and ease of use without requiring external sensors or cables.
A virtual environment is an immersive digital simulation created through virtual reality. It allows users to navigate in a 3D space that accurately replicates everyday situations or specific contexts.
In mental health, these environments are designed to help individuals gradually face certain situations, manage their emotions, or enhance cognitive skills. By interacting with these virtual spaces, patients can engage in meaningful experiences tailored to their needs.
You need to equip yourself with a virtual reality headset. Our software is compatible with Meta Quest 2, 3, and 3S. 
You will then only need an internet connection. 
Numerous studies confirm that virtual reality is safe to use. However, some restrictions are in place to protect users from potential adverse effects.
For instance, individuals with epilepsy and pregnant women should avoid this type of therapy.
As with any immersive technology, prolonged use may cause visual fatigue or mild discomfort, particularly for those sensitive to motion sickness. Therefore, it is recommended to take regular breaks and adjust session durations according to individual needs.
Virtual environments are designed to be gradual and controlled, minimizing the risk of excessive anxiety. Most users quickly adapt to immersion and experience the benefits of this innovative approach from the first sessions.
Anxiety disorders and phobias can be effectively treated using virtual reality. Patients are gradually and progressively exposed to anxiety-inducing situations in various environments while remaining in a safe space. This process helps develop a sense of habituation, ultimately reducing or even eliminating anxiety over time.
Behavioral and substance addictions can also be addressed through virtual reality. By incorporating synthetic stimuli into the environments that trigger craving responses, patients struggling with addiction can work on their cravings to diminish the urge to consume.
Additionally, multiple environments—such as bars, casinos, and social settings—enable cognitive work on dysfunctional beliefs associated with specific temptation scenarios.
Regarding eating disorders, virtual reality software helps target key etiological factors, such as body dysmorphia, allocentric lock (a tendency to focus on others rather than oneself), and food cravings.
Currently, our TERV (Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy) solutions include multiple software programs designed to address critical psychiatric, psychological, and neuropsychological determinants such as relaxation, cognitive stimulation, behavioral activation, and social skills training.
Reminiscence therapy is also a major therapeutic tool in treating depression. By allowing patients to relive sensations linked to past pleasurable activities (such as sports, driving, or traveling), virtual reality stimulates hypoactive brain areas, enhancing therapeutic success. VR serves as an excellent mediator for reigniting engagement in enjoyable activities.
Moreover, cognitive stimulation for elderly individuals is another area where virtual reality proves beneficial. By leveraging technology to make stimulation activities more engaging and accessible, patients and nursing home residents can improve executive functions and memory through specially designed applications.
Today, virtual reality in mental health care is advancing rapidly. Researchers, clinicians, and developers continue to explore new therapeutic targets to offer innovative and effective treatment solutions in the near future.
VR can be used by all healthcare professionals assisting patients with anxiety, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorders, addictions, or other psychological challenges.
It is particularly beneficial for psychologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, specialized nurses, as well as psychomotor therapists, physiotherapists, dietitians, sophrologists, and hypnotherapists. With a wide range of immersive environments, VR enhances therapeutic approaches and provides innovative tools to improve patient care.
Healthcare providers incorporating virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) expand their range of treatment options. VRET is a well-established therapeutic technique with scientific validation from cognitive-behavioral therapy research.
  • Professional Differentiation: Integrating VR into practice allows therapists to stand out from traditional treatment options.
  • Scientific Validation: VRET is backed by extensive research, reinforcing its credibility as an effective treatment method.
  • Improved Patient Engagement: The interactive nature of VR fosters greater patient involvement in therapy.
  • Time-Saving: VR provides direct access to various exposure environments without needing external logistics.

One of the considerable advantages of virtual reality is that it is effective on a wide spectrum of populations. Existing data from the literature on the subject shows us that it is entirely possible to expose a wide age group to virtual reality, with real therapeutic benefits.

The studies attest, in fact, to excellent feasibility and significant results; particularly in adults, in the treatment of anxiety disorders (including school phobia), autism, addictions, eating disorders, neuropsychological disorders, psychotic disorders and mood disorders.

The results are identical for adolescents with a significant added value concerning therapeutic engagement where virtual reality promotes adolescents' interest in their therapy.

Among elderly subjects, study results encourage the use of virtual reality with the aim of working on cognitive stimulation, on behavioral disorders but also on anxiety.

One of the major advantages of virtual reality is its effectiveness across a broad spectrum of the population. Existing literature on the subject shows that virtual reality can be used with individuals of various age groups, providing significant therapeutic benefits.
Studies confirm excellent feasibility and significant results, particularly among adults in the treatment of anxiety disorders (including school phobia), autism, addictions, eating disorders, neuropsychological disorders, psychotic disorders, and mood disorders.
The results are equally promising for adolescents, with a notable advantage in terms of therapeutic engagement, as virtual reality enhances their interest and participation in treatment.
For older adults, research supports the use of virtual reality to improve cognitive stimulation, behavioral disorders, and anxiety management.
However, people with epilepsy and pregnant individuals are not advised to undergo this type of therapy.
Yes, all our environments are grouped within a single application.
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