Interactive Robotics in Medicine and Care

Medical examinations and treatments can be challenging for people with intellectual disabilities or brain injuries. Unfamiliar environments, complex procedures, and communication barriers often lead to anxiety and reduced access to care. The VR*IM project addresses this issue by using Virtual Reality (VR) to prepare patients in an accessible and supportive way.

In interactive VR environments, patients can explore medical settings, learn about procedures step by step, and practice coping strategies. For example, they can simulate a blood draw, becoming familiar with both the process and the environment before the real intervention. This reduces uncertainty and helps patients feel more confident and in control.

A central goal of the project is empowerment: patients actively engage with the virtual scenarios, strengthening their self-efficacy and enabling a more participatory role in their own care.

Through a participatory design approach involving patients, clinicians, and researchers, VR*IM aims to improve patient experience, reduce stress, and contribute to more inclusive and accessible healthcare.