Virtual reality breast screening
Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust has launched an innovative Virtual Reality (VR) breast screening experience designed to promote early intervention screening. Timed to follow the 78th anniversary of the NHS on 5 July, the initiative showcases how modern technology can transform patient care by removing the anxiety and "fear of the unknown" often associated with medical appointments.
The ground-breaking project uses VR technology to enable women to experience a virtual walkthrough of a mammogram appointment in real time, allowing them to see the equipment, room, and screening process, and ask any questions before they arrive at an appointment. A Health Improvement Practitioner will take the VR headsets directly into local communities to demystify screening and ensure patients feel informed and empowered.
The initiative specifically focuses on supporting women who haven’t engaged with screening services due to anxiety, past trauma or other barriers.
The Trust is using this digital innovation to meet service users where they are, rather than asking them to come to clinical sites.
