Projects

The aim of the gameChange Trial is to use Virtual Reality (VR) to healp people who have experienced psychosis, and feel anxious about leaving their house, feel more confident with social situations.

As we know, many individuals with psychosis find day-to-day life so anxiety provoking, and everyday tasks such as going to the shops or GP surgery become very challenging. GameChange uses CBT style interventions, allowing people to practice being in these situations at their own pace, using state-of-the-art VR technology.

Within the VR environment, a friendly virtual therapist talks to the user, helping them practice techniques to overcome their difficulties. People may find they are more willing to do things they wouldn't in real life, and may be able to cope better than they think.

Half the participants will receive VR therapy and half will contiue with treatment as usual. When the trial is complete, the study team will know whether the VR therapy works. If it does, it could be used within the NHS to complement existing care.

The gameChange Trial is a large project funded by the National Institute for Health Research 'Invention for Innovation' (i4i) Mental Health Challenge Award. It's led by Professor Daniel Freeman of the University of Oxford, and brings together a team of NHS Trusts, universities, the Royal College of Art, the McPin Foundation, Oxford VR and NIHR MindTech.

The project has been hugely influenced by the Lived Experience Advisory Panel, putting the lived experientce of people affected by psychosis at the heart of the research design, delivery and implementation.

Nottinghamshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust were given in August 2019 and will continue until the end of April 2021.

The Trust is playing a crucial role in the delivery of the trial, being one of only five NHS Trusts in the country taking part, helping to recruit adults who struggle with psychosis and find everyday social situations difficult. With just a few weeks remaining, the team are keen to hear from clinicians in the hope that everyone who wants to take part, and is eligible to do so, is provided with the opportunity.

For more information about the trial and eligibility criteria, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Or contact:

Dr Eileen O'Regan (PI): This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Kate Bransby-Adams (Lead RDO): This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.