PixelMax have built a unique metaverse for Alder Hey Children’s Hospital to help reassure young patients before visiting the radiology department.
The fully immersive 3D replica of the department allows users to explore the surroundings and interact with its specialist devices from the comfort of their own home – helping to acquaint them with the sights and sounds they will experience there.
In the virtual world, children and young people collect glowing key cards to access different areas of the environment while winning virtual badges for switching on and learning how the equipment including X-Ray machines and MRI scanners work.
For children and young people, unfamiliar medical environments can sometimes prove particularly daunting – resulting in delays and cancelled appointments.
It is hoped the initiative – developed in collaboration with Alder Hey’s innovation team – will result in less delays and cancellations.
PixelMax co-founder Andy Sands commented: “We’re absolutely thrilled to unveil our digital twin of the radiology department. As an NHS Innovation Scout, we are committed to developing new ways to use technology to improve the healthcare experience for everyone.
“And this project with Alder Hey really exemplifies that spirit. By crafting our bespoke, interactive 3D world, we hope that visiting the hospital will become a lot less of a daunting prospect for young patients and their families.”
Alder Hey Innovation Clinical Director Iain Hennessey commented: “Our objective is to use the most advanced technologies to solve real-world healthcare challenges.
“The quality of the virtual worlds PixelMax develops really stood out to us. It’s been a privilege to work with such a skilled team in creating such an impressive replica of our radiology department, which we hope will engage, educate and provide vital reassurance for visitors.”
The replica of the radiology department is the latest feature of ALDERPLAY – Alder Hey’s fun digital playground for children and their families at Alder Hey.
It features a range of interactive experiences for children designed for three key purposes: familiarisation, distraction and reward. The digital web platform is accessed through a web link on any internet-enabled device and is free to use.
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Every year wasted appointments cost the NHS £162million, resulting in approximately 40 hours of wasted clinical time each month, causing serious delays in treatment for other patients1.
This is the latest initiative from Manchester-based PixelMax in the healthcare sector and follows on from a project to familiarise patients with the proton beam therapy facility at The Christie Hospital in Manchester.
It comes after PixelMax united football fans from around the globe last month with a bespoke, interactive virtual world for the UEFA Women’s Champions League Final.
Fans from as far afield as Botswana, Bangladesh and Brazil enjoyed unique, exclusive digital experiences as part of the House of WePlayStrong: Live! virtual event, marking the third time in a year that UEFA have entrusted PixelMax to deliver bespoke fan experiences for them.