Testimonials and opinions on virtual hypnosis headsets and goggles!
HypnoVR is the result of a collaboration between two passionate doctors, Dr. Denis Graff and Dr. Chloé Chauvinanesthesia-intensive care specialists and hypnotherapists, convinced of the benefits of medical hypnosis. Observing the positive results of hypnosis on their patients’ pain and anxiety, they quickly realized the potential of virtual reality and set themselves a goal: to make the practice known and accessible to all.
Created in 2016, under the leadership of Nicolas Schaettel as CEO, the project quickly gained momentum, today bringing together a team of 30 experts with complementary skills. Strong technological, clinical and scientific partnerships have been established, and we are now clinically validated with over 25 scientific communications and available in over 500 care facilities in Europe.
A single vision from the outset: to give as many patients as possible access to the benefits of medical hypnosis.
HypnoVR was born out of a desire to make the benefits of medical hypnosis accessible to as many patients as possible. The idea is to develop a virtual reality solution with proven therapeutic effectiveness, in line with my experience as a doctor, to effectively treat pain and anxiety.
Dr Chloé Chauvin
HypnoVR
As the co-founder points out, HypnoVR’s promise is to democratize access to medical hypnosis by making it more accessible. The whole team is driven by one firm conviction: hypnosis has a significant impact on the management of pain, anxiety and depression. and other health problems, which is why we offer all healthcare professionals the opportunity to use a cutting-edge tool to improve their patients’ comfort and well-being.
A solution that is attracting growing interest in healthcare establishments, as we are now recognized as a leader in our field, offering a solution that transforms medical practice through virtual reality, at every stage of care.
Since then, we have continued to develop its technology and work closely with healthcare professionals to implement this vision in ever more varied clinical environments.
Innovative partner in medical virtual reality: HypnoVR’s unique positioning
Dr Denis Graff, co-founder of HypnoVR, stressed the importance of developing devices that were “compact, easily transportable and quick to set up so that caregivers can use it easily.” Today, HypnoVR has not only met these criteria, but has also expanded its offering with almost 30,000 different session combinations. The effectiveness of these sessions is supported by over 24 clinical studies. Beyond these advances, we are focusing on supporting and training healthcare professionals, enabling them to integrate virtual reality (VR) technology into the most sophisticated medical practices. In this way, Dr Graff’s initial ambition is being translated into reality, with HypnoVR playing a key role in the evolution of healthcare.
Our teams are present in the field, and this physical, local support enables us to establish a direct link with the healthcare practitioners and medical establishments that use our technologies. Since our inception, we’ve been constantly gathering opinions, feedback and ideas directly from our customers. This proactive approach enables us to understand the specific needs of practitioners and patients, as well as the challenges they face in their day-to-day use of VR technology in medical settings. In this way, HypnoVR meets Dr. Koenig’s need: ““My goal is for my patients to walk out of the clinic saying.I’ve had a virtual reality session” and don’t say “I’ve had varicose vein surgery”. “than to Doctor Anne-Sophie Guilbert: ““For most people for whom this is their 1st (hospital) stay, there’s a really palpable anxiety. Until now, we’ve been able to control these anxieties with anxiolytics. Now that we have virtual reality, we’re able to reduce the consumption of these drugs and get through these phases.” from patients like Maximilien: “I didn’t feel a thing, it was quite pleasant”.
Finally, we systematically send satisfaction surveys to our users to gather their opinions, for an average satisfaction score of 8.9/10 from over 100 users in 2023.
This feedback and ideas from the field then become an essential building block in our development, which has already led to the redesign of user interfaces to keep them simple and intuitive to use, changes in packaging to facilitate transport and storage, and the evolution of our content catalog.
This customer-centric approach reinforces our positioning as a collaborative partner in the adoption of virtual reality for medical purposes, beyond simply supplying technological equipment.
Opinions and testimonials about HypnoVR
We have received a great deal of positive feedback from patients and healthcare professionals alike. These contributions are essential if we are to adapt our offering significantly, taking into account experience of using the device and its role in non-medication support for patients, as well as feedback on therapeutic content.
Anaesthesia
Témoignage d’une patiente opérée sous anesthésie locale au Centre Hospitalier de Châteauroux-Le Blanc
Gynaecology
HypnoVR during oocyte puncture as part of a medically assisted reproduction (MAP) program
Anaesthesia
The HypnoVR solution in the oncology department of the Groupe Hospitalier de Saint Vincent
For example, Dr Pouplin at Rouen University Hospital (CHU de Rouen, France) has given us feedback on the context in which it is used « We wanted compact, easily transportable devices that departments could use with ease. The idea was not to make the medical act more complex, but rather to make it easier. » or that of Dr Soler, AP-HM: “”It has clearly improved our management compared with the habits we have for this type of treatment”.
Much of the feedback is focused on the content of the virtual reality experience. This concerns the quality of videos, music and other multimedia elements used in medical hypnosis sessions. A concrete example of this category is the recurring demand from pediatric wards for a comprehensive experience aimed at young children, which led to the creation of the ” Jungle Bunch” in Pediatrics experience. This type of content feedback enables HypnoVR to adapt its offering to meet the specific needs of different medical specialties and patient groups.
This feedback plays a crucial role in the ongoing development of HypnoVR’s solutions, ensuring that their technology keeps pace with the expectations and requirements of their users in the medical field.
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More than 500 institutions are already using HypnoVR to improve their patients’ experience of care.
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Boost your employees’ well-being at work with virtual reality
Nearly 480,000 cases of work-related psychological stress, 150,000 employees unable to cope with their workload and deliver results… the figures on work-related stress and its consequences are alarming. In France, the cost of stress to companies is estimated at between 2 and 3 billion euros. Results? These effects impact not only on workers’ health, but also on the smooth running of companies. Loss of motivation, healthcare costs, absenteeism, even in the worst cases: cessation of activity, premature death… The social, medical and economic divide caused by stress is phenomenal and unquestionable. What can be done about it? . What if simple actions to improve well-being at work were a promising way forward? Zoom in.
Stress in the workplace: a growing reality
According to the latest Opinion Way barometer for Empreinte Humaine, 44% of French workers are in a state of psychological distress. We also learn that when it comes to stress at work, France (19%) is in third place, behind Germany (20%) and Poland (25%), according to the latest survey. The Workforce View in Europe study published in 2019. And with good reason: the pressures of workloads, high expectations, tight deadlines and a difficult work-life balance have accelerated work-related ill-being. Add to this the macro-economic context and the COVID-19 crisis. The result? Increasing work-related stress and declining well-being.
Stress at work – which leads to a lack of well-being in the workplace and sometimes beyond – can have significant consequences for employees’ mental and physical health. It can contribute to development of anxiety disorders, depression, burn-out and other health problems. Unmanaged stress can also lead to lower productivity, increased absenteeism and presenteeism (when employees are present at work, but not very productive), which can lead to a negative impact on company performance.
Even though the French authorities, trade unions and companies have taken steps to tackle the issue of stress in the workplace, and have integrated it into their corporate culture, we are all aware of the need to take action. the Quality of Life at Work (QWL) approachEmployee well-being should be a central concern for all companies, for those who care about their employees and their business.
Why should fostering well-being in the workplace be a priority of a company’s QWL approach?
Getting to the root of the problem: what if Philonides had suggested a solution? Indeed, according to a study by Opinion Way, for 8 out of 10 employees “having a job is good for mental health, it’s the working conditions that need to be addressed”. Recognizing the detrimental effects of stress on mental health, employee well-being and overall business performance, many organizations are implementing initiatives to promote employee well-being within their working environment. Results? Happy employees, more productivity… In the end, companies that take action to improve the mental health of their employees through their QWL policy win everything:
Employee health and well-being
Boosting well-being in the workplace aims to preserve employees’ mental and physical health. By promoting a less stressful work environment, companies can help prevent burn-out, anxiety and depression.
Productivity and performance
Excessive stress can lead to lower productivity, more frequent errors and reduced quality of work. By reducing stress, companies improve the performance of their teams and the quality of their products or services.
Commitment and retention
A more pleasant working environment strengthens employees’ commitment to their work and the company. It can also increase talent retention, as employees are more likely to stay in an environment where their well-being is taken into account. “If a company doesn’t want to lose its best people to the competition, it will have to pay special attention and consideration to its employees.”. says Stéphane Gueguen, founder of HappinessWork.
Corporate image
Companies that care about their employees’ well-being and implement measures to reduce stress are generally perceived as responsible, caring employers. This can improve the company’s image with customers and business partners.
Cost reduction
The costs associated with sick leave, employee replacement and negative repercussions on the company’s financial performance can be reduced by alleviating stress in the workplace.
Organizational climate
Reducing stress promotes a more positive organizational climate. Employees feel valued, listened to and supported, which strengthens interpersonal relations and team cohesion.
Innovation and creativity
A work environment that is less stressful and more conducive to well-being encourages creativity and innovation by giving employees the space they need to think, come up with new ideas and solve problems creatively.
Companies that do not place sufficient emphasis on Quality of Life at Work (QWL), and in particular stress management in the workplace, can experience a decline in employee well-being.
Improving workers’ well-being through mental coaching and meditation: the BrainRise solution, a must-have for well-being at work
Solutions are emerging to help companies and employees promote employee well-being. These include mental coaching, meditation and relaxation techniques.
Well-being
Improving the Quality of Life at Work of health care personnel thanks to a digital stress management therapy that is simple and accessible to all
Well-being
A wellness day for health professionals thanks to the insurance company, the Mutuelle Nationale des Hospitaliers
To this end, HypnoVR offers an immersive solution that uses virtual reality and advanced psychological techniques to deliver a deeply relaxing experience, effectively reducing stress and promoting well-being at work. “Our approach does not aim to revolutionize well-being at work, but rather to improve it in a tangible way. We have developed a system that integrates harmoniously into a Quality of Working Life (QWL) approach, aimed at creating an environment conducive to well-being. This device, which we call BrainRise, has been designed to boost self-confidence, manage stress and relax through short and effective guided relaxation sessions.“says Nicolas Schaettel, President and Founder.
The genesis of the product? During the COVID-19 crisis, when caregivers were exhausted and overworked, an unexpected use emerged for HypnoVR technology. Initially designed for non-drug sedation of patients, HypnoVR has been used by caregivers for relaxation, offering them a means of relieving the stress associated with their intense work.
HypnoVR’s attention was drawn to this usage, and we reacted accordingly. Recognizing the urgent need for emotional and mental support for healthcare professionals, HypnoVR has developed a dedicated solution: BrainRise. It focuses on relaxation, coaching, motivation, rest (napping) and self-confidence. Although not intended as a medical device, BrainRise has proved effective in improving the well-being of caregivers… but not only! As you can see, this solution extends beyond the medical world, as it can also be adapted to companies to help workers develop their well-being.
Mental coaching and meditation: the BrainRise bet for a successful QWL approach?
BrainRise technology rests on three distinct pillars, carefully designed to maximize benefits:
- Virtual reality, via immersive goggles, offers an experience of virtual escape, isolating users from their everyday environment and transporting them to specially-created worlds. Everything can be customized simply by the user himself: Type of accompaniment, Universe, Music …”We are convinced of the importance of creating a virtual environment that matches the preferences of each individual. Our device allows users to select the universe in which they wish to be immersed, offering a virtual escape in line with their personal tastes.underlines Nicolas Schaettel.
- – Music therapy also plays an essential role, and HypnoVR has designed specific music following U-shaped circuit rules to promote relaxation and harmony.
- – Last but not least, verbal support, which uses recorded voices to guide the user through various relaxation exercises, mental coaching or meditation.
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More than 400 institutions are already using HypnoVR to improve their patients’ experience of care.
Contactez-nousCardiac coherence: foundations and application in the HypnoVR experience
The relaxing power of breathing on our organism has been recognized for millennia, and is evoked in ancestral practices such as Qigong and pranayama. These traditions highlight breath control for its medical virtues, prefiguring cardiac coherence. Based on sound physiological and psychological principles, it induces a state of deep relaxation, relieving anxiety and promoting lasting well-being. Cardiac coherence is thus an accessible method for improving our mental and physical health.
What is cardiac coherence?
Cardiac coherence is a stress and anxiety management practice based on controlled breathing exercises. It regulates our respiratory rhythm, directly influencing our nervous system and promoting a balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic components of our stress response. This technique results in a state of synchronization between heart rate, blood pressure and breathing, improving heart health and reducing stress. The effect of this practice is based on respiratory sinus arrhythmia, where inhalation speeds up the heart rate and exhalation slows it down, underlining the importance of deep, balanced breathing.
Why cardiac coherence?
The benefits of cardiac coherence are numerous and supported by scientific evidence. Regular practice helps reduce anxiety, stress and pain, improves heart rate variability (HRV), an indicator of good heart health and resilience to stress, and can lower blood pressure, benefiting those with hypertension. These effects stem from increased parasympathetic tone, associated with relaxation of the body, and a measurable reduction in anxiety, with studies showing a 15% drop in anxiety scores after a few minutes of deep breathing.
The role of cardiac coherence in the HypnoVR experience
Integrating cardiac coherence into the virtual reality medical hypnosis experiences offered by HypnoVR is crucial to an effective hypnosis session. Harmony between heartbeat and breathing is essential to create a psychological and physiological state conducive to hypnotic induction, and therefore directly influences the therapeutic effectiveness of the session. In a HypnoVR session, the user follows a cardiac coherence exercise, guided by a voice but also a visual, whose imagery is adapted to the nature of the universe and whose movement serves as a visual cue for inspiration and expiration.
The exercise guides the patient towards a rhythm of 6 breaths per minute, which is the rhythm with the greatest impact on cardiac variability and therefore on anxiety.
Towards a new era of well-being and therapeutic innovation
Cardiac coherence is a proven method for improving stress management and promoting well-being. Its integration into HypnoVR’s virtual reality experiences represents a new, accessible and engaging approach to practice. This approach enriches the hypnosis experience and demonstrates the potential of ancient breathing techniques to be adapted to modern contexts to improve mental and physical health.
Claire Terzulli, PhD, R&D Project Manager
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More than 500 institutions are already using HypnoVR to improve their patients’ experience of care.
Contactez-nousHypnoVR obtains a European patent for its digital pain and anxiety management therapy.
After becoming the first company in France to obtain a patent for its digital pain and anxiety therapy combining medical hypnosis and virtual reality, HypnoVR has just been granted a European patent by the European Patent Office (EPO).
While this award rewards the innovative dimension of HypnoVR’s solution, it also reflects a strong choice made at the outset of HypnoVR’s adventure…going back “a few” years.
The obstacle course: Patenting for medical device startups
In the dynamic world of startups, and specifically in the medical device sector, obtaining patents is a crucial milestone. For an innovative company like HypnoVR, the process starts with a unique invention as early as 2016, followed by in-depth research to ensure its novelty. The next step involves drafting a patent application, a meticulous technical and legal document detailing the invention.
Once an application has been filed, the Patent Office examines its validity on the basis of criteria such as novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability. This process can last several years, during which regular exchanges between the inventor and the patent office are necessary to clarify or adjust certain aspects. Once a patent has been granted, it gives the startup exclusive rights to its invention. A striking example is Medtronic, whose patents on innovative medical devices have made it a leader in its sector.
This obstacle course is as complex as it is time-consuming, and startups are often ill-equipped to deal with the expertise of the patent office. In this context, the right support can help you go further. At HypnoVR, we have been working with ICOSA for many years to protect our patents.
Protecting ideas : From patent to intellectual property strategy
After 5 years, the innovation developed by HypnoVR is now recognized and protected not only in France, but also in Europe. HypnoVR becomes the first European player in its field to have its innovation protected at European level,this is a guarantee of confidence and security for HypnoVR’s hospital and clinic customers, industrial partners in the deployment of its solution, and current and future investors, for whom intellectual property is a major issue.
While patents are a cornerstone of innovation and idea protection, they are also one of the pillars of an intellectual property strategy designed to protect all the intangible assets developed by HypnoVR. These include, of course, the trademarks in which the company invests to develop its business and products, the computer code on which the software it develops is based, and the drawings illustrating the actual design of its products and services.
Given the long time it takes to obtain a patent, it’s legitimate to wonder about the value of this investment in view of the often short lifespan of start-ups, which risk disappearing before even benefiting from this protection. Industry plays a crucial role in the development of an intellectual property strategy. In the case of HypnoVR, for example, which specializes in medical devices, this strategy has gradually developed into a major intangible asset for the company. In particular, it has enabled HypnoVR to effectively defend its rights against a European competitor attempting to use its trademark in other countries.
Intellectual property for startups: A lever for financing
For startups, especially in the medical device sector, intellectual property is an invaluable financial asset. Patents and trademarks are not only legal protections, they are also indicators of value and innovation for investors.
Investment funds scrutinize these IP assets as evidence of a startup’s viability and potential. A robust IP portfolio can significantly increase the chances of attracting financing. For example, biotech start-ups with attractive patents have often been the target of lucrative takeovers by big pharma. What’s more, patents can be turned into revenue streams through licensing. A famous case in point is CRISPR Therapeutics, whose patents on gene-editing technology have attracted major investment and generated substantial revenues through licensing agreements. In this way, IP becomes an essential tool for negotiating with partners and investors, giving startups like HypnoVR a major competitive edge.
For HypnoVR, the patent adventure and the development of our intellectual property strategy are a reflection of our entrepreneurial adventure:
– It’s important to get started early, but at the right time, otherwise you risk investing scarce resources in the wrong way. Yes, protecting your intangible assets has a cost, or rather represents an investment;
– Being well supported is a major contributor to success. We have been supported by different firms depending on the phases and subjects, and beyond the technical skills, the human relationship is also important;
– The value of the investment is always important, and we have abandoned certain protection projects in view of the balance between the value of the asset and the cost of the investment.
Nicolas Schaettel, CEO d’HypnoVR
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More than 500 institutions are already using HypnoVR to improve their patients’ experience of care.
Contactez-nousFrom 360° video to interactive virtual reality
The science of medical hypnosis is fundamentally based on the power of the imagination and the mind’s ability to visualise environments and scenarios that promote relaxation and care. Virtual reality (VR) technology offers a unique opportunity to transpose this practice into a digital environment and make it easier for patients to benefit from it.
However, unlike a traditional hypnosis session, which relies on the patient’s imagination, the VR session is based on a predefined visual and verbal guide. This difference raises a major challenge: it is essential to design VR scenarios in such a way as to remain faithful to the principles of traditional hypnosis, in both the verbal and visual elements.
In the HypnoVR medical device, we have combined hypnotic verbal support with music therapy and hypnotic visual scenarios to exploit the full potential of the total visual and auditory immersion made possible by virtual reality. This convergence between hypnosis and virtual reality offers considerable potential for innovative therapeutic approaches, particularly in pain management, stress reduction and other areas of mental and physical health.
In this article, we explore the creation of a visual scenario for HypnoVR, with the essential therapeutic elements to be integrated, as well as the challenges and opportunities linked to the evolution of headsets.
The fusion of hypnosis and virtual reality
To create an effective hypnotic experience in virtual reality, it is essential to master all the subtleties involved in a traditional hypnosis session. This requires meticulous attention to detail and an in-depth understanding of the visualisation techniques that accompany a session. The guiding principles were defined by our founders, Dr Denis Graff and Dr Chloé Chauvin, both anaesthetists and hypnopraticians.
These principles include :
a visual animation for
support the cardiac coherence exercise
immersive, soothing landscapes
strategic use of colour and pattern
that promote relaxation and concentration
textures and shapes designed
to evoke tranquillity and serenity
elements of visual focus
a move that reflects evolution
in the hypnosis course and limits boredom
symbolic and metaphorical elements
that give meaning to the experience
For the experience to be as profound and effective as possible, it is crucial to integrate these principles harmoniously and coherently into the visual scenario, in line with those of hypnosis. The aim is to guide the user towards a state of heightened receptivity, not only to the hypnotic discourse conveyed by a voice-over but also to the musical ambience (music therapy) that accompanies the experience.
Simulation or video: a look back at HypnoVR’s historic choice
HypnoVR’s fundamental objective has always been to reproduce as closely as possible the experience of a traditional hypnosis session, with the emphasis on immersion as the key factor. It is this approach that has proved so effective, with over 23 scientific papers to date. Our aim is to create a high-quality immersive experience, while complying with medical specifications to ensure maximum therapeutic effectiveness.
Faced with the complexity of meeting this need with live-action films, the structure of which would require colossal staging resources and special effects, so we opted for experiments designed by ourselves in 3D. To implement these 3D visual scenarios, we came up with two options: 360° video or real-time simulation.
Why 360° Video?
The performance of standalone VR headsets played a crucial role in our development decision. Historically, their limited graphics processing power posed major challenges for the simulation of real-time environments. This meant making significant compromises either on quality and visual richness, or on the fluidity of the experience. This limitation was particularly pronounced when HypnoVR was first created in 2016.
Playing a video, even in 360° format, requires few resources but does not exploit 100% of the immersive potential of VR and limits the possible interactions with the virtual environment.
360 video proved to be the optimum solution, providing fluid, high-quality immersion despite the performance limitations of VR headsets. By creating videos from our 3D environments, we have been able to exercise complete control over the visual aspect, while guaranteeing a user experience that meets our standards, is comfortable and is adapted to the capabilities of the hardware.
The transition from 360° video to real-time simulation
In 8 years, the performance of VR headsets has improved considerably, as has our expertise in therapeutic virtual reality and our vision of the future of the product.
We are always looking to increase the therapeutic efficacy of our solutions and have identified 2 areas for development.
Improving your sense of presence
The feeling of presence helps you to step back from the real world and into a state of hypnosis. We know that improving the feeling of presence makes it easier to induce a modified state of consciousness (hypnosis) and its physiological impact (Murray, Computers in Human Behavior).
Add interactions between the patient and the virtual environment
Interactivity with the virtual world helps to control and channel the patient’s attention throughout the session.
Faced with this ambition, the video format proved to be limiting, and the arrival of the new generation of VR headsets in 2023 has changed all that. Their level of performance makes it possible to consider simulation in real time while meeting our initial requirements for quality and fluidity.
Based on several scientific publications (Hendrix, Teleoperators and Virtual Environments), we knew that real-time simulation could have a major impact on the feeling of presence that we wanted to improve. The immersive experience offered by a real-time simulation is directly enriched by the use of the stereoscopic image concept (see illustration) and sound spatialisation, offering a more realistic perception of the depth and dimensions of the virtual environment. This approach strengthens the emotional connection with the user, creating a more intense and engaging sensory immersion.
With a virtual reality experience generated in real time, it is possible to interact dynamically with the virtual environment, increasing the sense of control and involvement. This interactivity allows the experience to evolve from a passive to an active format, increasing user engagement and focusing attention.
Last but not least, there is the practical aspect of the volume of data to be stored. Unlike video, which requires a huge amount of storage space, real-time content is more compact and allows us to expand and diversify our content catalogue, offering our users more options and diversity.
By choosing real-time simulation, you are strategically moving towards a highly interactive solution capable of exploiting the full potential of the latest current and future technologies. Offering new features, enhanced capabilities and improved graphics. This choice opens the way to increasingly rich, engaging, customisable and, above all, therapeutically effective virtual experiences.
Producing scenarios in real time: from level design to technical optimisation
This transition to real-time simulation has given us the opportunity to reinvent our visual environments, injecting new creative life into them. While we’ve been keen to retain the themes of our historical scenarios, this reworking has allowed us to incorporate innovative ideas and more advanced artistic approaches, significantly enriching the aesthetic.
When reworking our scripts, it was essential to strike a balance between technical performance and visual quality. Despite the increased power of the latest generation of VR headsets, their computing capacity remains limited, requiring ingenious optimisation to enhance the experience.
The notion of evolution and movement is paramount in our visual scenarios and is materialised by a journey (with very slow movement to prevent motion sickness or cyber kinetosis). It’s a large environment that has to be simulated, with many visual elements to display, and this increases the problem of balancing performance and quality tenfold. Particular attention has therefore been paid to the design and layout of the environment (level design), as well as to technical optimisation.
DID YOU KNOW?
Various optimisation techniques from the world of 3D simulation are used in the design and optimisation of HypnoVR.
– Level of Detail (LOD), which adjusts the fineness of a 3D model according to its distance.
– Baking, which consists of pre-calculating the lighting effects on static objects to limit dynamic light to moving elements only.
– batching, which consists of multiplying the occurrence of a model in order to share the calculation of their rendering.
This work enables us to offer high-quality virtual reality experiences while exploiting the full potential of standalone VR headsets.
This experience is available as part of the HypnoVR offer with the latest generation headsets such as PICO G3 or PICO 4 Enterprise. Information is available on the product page.
Towards a new generation of interactive digital therapy
Finally, we can take the HypnoVR experience a step further and continue to increase therapeutic effectiveness with real-time simulation and the latest VR headsets. As well as improving the feeling of presence, interaction with the virtual world is now possible. However, when we talk about interactions, we need to consider them in the context of medical use, where we are trying to induce a sedative effect with VR and therefore minimise the patient’s movements.
Historical methods of interaction, using manual controllers, are unsuited to our needs because of their complexity and the physical movements required to manipulate them. However, the latest generation of headsets incorporate eye-tracking technologies that allow us to determine the position of the patient’s gaze during the virtual reality experience. This technology can be used to interpret the patient’s behaviour and dynamically adapt the session according to the patient’s attention, by triggering visual events for example, and maximise the patient’s concentration during the hypnosis session.
Real-time simulation is also at the heart of our next solution, HypnoVR Biofeedback, which uses sensors on the patient to adapt the hypnosis session according to certain physiological constants. Whether it’s adjusting the cardiac coherence exercise or triggering specific events in VR depending on the patient’s comfort, HypnoVR Biofeedback will enable a much higher level of interactivity.
Real-time simulation offers fascinating prospects for HypnoVR. This evolution allows us to explore new possibilities, merging the latest technological innovations with the unique needs of the medical sector, and pushing back the boundaries of what we can offer in digital healthcare.
Augustin Darre, lead developer & Jordan Rous, lead 3D artist
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More than 350 institutions are already using HypnoVR to improve their patients’ experience of care.
Contactez-nousRevolutionising medicine with technology: HypnoVR’s journey towards clinical validation of its digital therapies
HypnoVR, a pioneer in medical innovation, is revolutionising the treatment of pain and anxiety with its digital therapies. Clinical validation of new immersive technologies is at the heart of HypnoVR’s DNA. Let’s explore together how to meet the unique challenges of this fast-moving sector.
From the importance of adherence to medical standards to adaptability to practical needs, in this article we retrace HypnoVR’s journey, from its initial ambition to be recognised as a medical device to the completion of large-scale clinical studies validating the effectiveness of HypnoVR’s digital therapy.
Explore HypnoVR’s journey through observational studies, user feedback and randomised clinical trials, demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of its solutions.
A clinical strategy guided by the desire to be a medical device
From the outset, HypnoVR’s objective was ambitious: to transform an idea – to make medical hypnosis accessible to everyone – into a recognised technological innovation and, above all, into a certified medical device. This vision led us to work closely with experts in medical device regulation, a fruitful partnership that resulted in HypnoVR being classified as a Class I medical device. This class of medical device corresponds to devices that present a minimal risk to patients, but also guarantee their safety through the implementation of a quality management system. This classification has enabled HypnoVR to be adopted by healthcare institutions, while at the same time developing a short- and long-term clinical validation strategy.
From concept to clinically validated device
Literature
At the start of HypnoVR, to guide us in our choices and validate the effectiveness of the solution, we drew on existing research on hypnosis, virtual reality and music therapy. Each of these techniques showed interesting results, independently, in reducing pain and anxiety.
For example, we drew on information from studies carried out by Hoffmann’s team in the United States, which demonstrated the effectiveness of virtual reality hypnosis on burn patients. As virtual reality is first and foremost a technological means of immersing the patient, the therapeutic experience and its effectiveness depend on the psychological mechanisms involved. We quickly realised that we needed to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of our specific combination of these three techniques in a clinical setting.
Feedback from the field and feasibility studies to demonstrate safety and effectiveness
The first stage of our exploration was to gather feedback from the first users. Using our own questionnaires, we were able to gain a better understanding of the use, satisfaction and effectiveness of the solution, from the point of view of both patients and carers.
To demonstrate that the use of HypnoVR was both feasible and safe on a large scale, we set up feasibility studies, drawing on the skills of HypnoVR’s collaborators, in particular Dr Chloé CHAUVIN. These studies led to our first communications, in the form of posters or presentations at medical conferences. Several parameters were examined, such as pain, anxiety and patient satisfaction, as well as ease of use and compatibility with medical procedures for carers.
These feasibility studies have covered a wide range of medical fields, from surgery to dentistry, from pre-operative to post-operative. Their results confirmed the safety and performance of our device and met the requirements of Regulation (EU) 2017/745 on medical devices, but also enriched our understanding of its practical application. We have begun to see very good results in terms of therapeutic effectiveness, such as a 45% reduction in pre-operative anxiety in dental surgery and a 40% reduction in post-operative pain in scoliosis surgery.
These results have enabled us to refine our recommendations for the use of HypnoVR. We quickly discovered the constraints and limitations associated with certain indications, which led us to adapt our digital therapy and the solution’s use cases to best meet the needs and expectations of healthcare professionals and their patients.
For example, one study showed that the use of HypnoVR was more relevant and appreciated before an oocyte puncture than during the procedure itself (https://hypnovr.io/fr/recherche/#466). During the puncture, many women preferred to observe the monitoring of the procedure rather than being immersed in a virtual reality experience.
Dental care, which is an ideal indication for HypnoVR, with 1 in 2 patients subject to anxiety (Pratiques dentaires, UFSBD June 2013; 20-23) has also shown limitations in use. While studies and user feedback have confirmed the effectiveness of HypnoVR in reducing anxiety before and during dental treatment, the size of the virtual reality headset has long been a hindrance to many dentists during treatment. That’s why HypnoVR is developing a specific version of its solution on an HTC ViveFlow headset that is much more compact and compatible with the dentist’s technical movements.
Randomised studies to demonstrate performance and non-randomised studies to better understand impact and use
The transition to randomised controlled trials was a crucial step. By comparing the use of HypnoVR with standard practice, these studies aim to demonstrate indisputably its effectiveness in reducing pain and anxiety, while minimising bias as far as possible.
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are essential for evaluating the effectiveness of medical treatments, but their applicability in real clinical practice may be limited. Observational studies complement RCTs by providing insights into the real world and extending understanding of medical interventions. Together, these two methods provide a comprehensive and informed perspective for clinical decision-making.
While randomised trials are our priority today, we are also continuing observational studies to confirm the value of HypnoVR in new medical indications.
Feedback on our clinical validation process
Our journey has been a rich learning experience, with successes and challenges that we want to share.
Validating HypnoVR in different indications
We began our clinical career in anaesthesia, in the operating theatre, for two essential reasons: the expertise of our co-founding anaesthetists (Dr Chloé Chauvin & Dr Denis Graff) in this speciality and the desire to validate the effectiveness of HypnoVR in particularly painful and anxiety-provoking situations.
For example, we explored the use of HypnoVR in scoliosis surgery and hip arthroplasty at a very early stage. These initial validations have paved the way for the validation of other medical specialities, including dentistry, gynaecology, oncology, urology and emergency services for both adults and children.
A hybrid clinical strategy for HypnoVR
Maintaining a dual approach of feasibility studies and randomised trials in our clinical validation was a wise decision.
The feasibility studies, although limited in their ability to provide detailed conclusions, especially in the absence of a control group, were crucial in providing us with a large amount of data quickly. These results enabled us to adjust the development of our solution very early on.
At the same time, randomised studies, despite their greater demands on time and energy, offered a much higher level of detail and rigour. The challenges associated with these studies, such as the long lead times for preparation, patient recruitment and publication, were offset by the quality and accuracy of the information gathered. In addition, the increased visibility afforded by the publications resulting from these randomised trials has greatly enhanced the value of our work.
The combination of these two approaches enabled us to effectively balance the speed of data collection with the depth and reliability of the results obtained.
Clinical studies at HypnoVR today
Following the acquisition of Oncomfort, HypnoVR now has almost 50 scientific communications, including 15 publications. Of these, 25 are randomised controlled trials in various fields.
We are continuing to conduct randomised controlled trials, mainly in new areas such as pre-operative care, pre-delivery labour and palliative care. In addition, we are encouraging studies focusing on medico-economic objectives to assess the impact of HypnoVR in the context of healthcare costs.
This clinical validation process is part of our scientific DNA and plays a key role in our ongoing commitment to provide solid, objective evidence of HypnoVR’s efficacy and safety.
Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any subjects you’d like to study. We’d be delighted to help you.
Join the movement!
More than 350 institutions are already using HypnoVR to improve their patients’ experience of care.
Contactez-nousBoostez le bien-être au travail de vos collaborateurs, grâce à la réalité virtuelle
Près de 480 000 cas de stress psychique liés au travail, 150.000 salariés frappés d’incapacité à endosser leur charge de travail et à délivrer des résultats… les chiffres sur le stress au travail et ses conséquences sont alarmantes. En France, on estime entre 2 et 3 milliards d’euros le coût du stress pour les entreprises. Résultats ? Des effets qui impactent non seulement la santé des travailleurs, mais aussi le bon fonctionnement des entreprises. Perte de motivation, dépenses de soins, absentéisme, voire dans les pires des cas : cessation d’activité, décès prématuré… La fracture sociale, médicale et économique que peut engendrer le stress est phénoménale et sans appel. Comment y remédier ? . Et si des actions simples d’amélioration du bien-être au travail constituaient une voie prometteuse ? Zoom sur le sujet.
Le stress au travail, une réalité en pleine expansion
Selon le dernier baromètre Opinion Way pour le cabinet Empreinte Humaine, 44% des travailleurs français sont en état de détresse psychologique. On apprend également, qu’en matière de stress au travail, la France (19%) brigue la troisième place du podium derrière l’Allemagne (20%) et la Pologne (25%) selon une étude The Workforce View in Europe publiée en 2019. Et pour cause, les pressions liées aux charges de travail, aux attentes élevées, aux délais serrés et à la conciliation difficile entre vie professionnelle-vie personnelle ont accéléré le mal-être au travail. Ajoutons à cela le contexte macro-économique et la crise du COVID-19. Résultat ? Un stress professionnel qui s’accroit et un bien-être en déclin.
Or le stress au travail, – qui engendre un manque de bien-être des individus en milieu professionnel et parfois au-delà – peut avoir des conséquences significatives sur la santé mentale et physique des employés. Il peut contribuer au développement de troubles anxieux, de dépression, de burn-out et d’autres problèmes de santé. Le stress non géré peut également entraîner une baisse de la productivité, une augmentation de l’absentéisme et du présentéisme (lorsque les employés sont présents au travail, mais peu productifs), ce qui peut avoir un impact négatif sur les performances de l’entreprise.
Même si les autorités françaises, les syndicats et les entreprises ont pris des mesures pour aborder la question du stress au travail et l’intégrant notamment au sein de la démarche qualité de vite au travail (QVT), le bien-être des employés devrait constituer pour toutes les entreprises une préoccupation centrale pour les entreprises, soucieuses de leurs employés et de leur activité.
Pourquoi favoriser le bien-être au travail devrait être priorité de la démarche QVT en entreprise ?
Prendre le mal par la racine, et si Philonide nous soufflait la solution ? En effet, d’après une étude d’Opinion Way, pour 8 salariés sur 10 “avoir un travail est bon pour la santé mentale, ce sont sur les conditions de travail qu’il faut agir”. Reconnaissant les effets néfastes du stress sur la santé mentale, le bien-être des employés et sur la performance globale de l’entreprise, de nombreuses organisations mettent en œuvre des initiatives pour favoriser le bien-être des travailleurs au sein de leur environnement de travail. Résultats ? Des salariés heureux, plus de productivité… Finalement, les entreprises qui agissent sur la santé mentale de leurs salariés grâce à leur politique QVT ont tout gagné :
Santé et bien-être des employés
L’amplification du bien-être en entreprise vise à préserver la santé mentale et physique des employés. En favorisant un environnement de travail moins stressant, les entreprises contribuent à la prévention du burn-out, de l’anxiété et de la dépression.
Productivité et performance
Le stress excessif peut entraîner une baisse de la productivité, des erreurs plus fréquentes et une baisse de la qualité du travail. En réduisant le stress, les entreprises améliorent la performance de leurs équipes et la qualité de leurs produits ou services.
Engagement et rétention
Un environnement de travail plus agréable renforce l’engagement des employés envers leur travail et l’entreprise. Cela peut également augmenter la rétention des talents, car les employés sont plus susceptibles de rester dans un environnement où leur bien-être est pris en compte. ”Si une entreprise ne veut pas perdre ses meilleurs éléments au profit de la concurrence, elle devra porter une attention et une considération toute particulière à ses salariés”. affirme Stéphane Gueguen, fondateur d’HappinessWork.
Image de l’entreprise
Les entreprises qui se soucient du bien-être de leurs employés et qui mettent en place des mesures pour réduire le stress sont généralement perçues comme des employeurs responsables et attentifs. Cela peut améliorer l’image de l’entreprise auprès des clients, des partenaires commerciaux.
Réduction des coûts
Les coûts associés aux arrêts maladie, au remplacement d’employés et aux répercussions négatives sur la performance financière de l’entreprise peuvent être réduits en atténuant le stress au travail.
Climat organisationnel
La réduction du stress favorise un climat organisationnel plus positif. Les employés se sentent valorisés, écoutés et soutenus, ce qui renforce les relations interpersonnelles et la cohésion d’équipe.
Innovation et créativité
Un environnement de travail moins stressant et plus propice au bien-être encourage la créativité et l’innovation en offrant aux employés l’espace nécessaire pour réfléchir, proposer des idées nouvelles et résoudre des problèmes de manière créative.
Les entreprises qui ne mettent pas suffisamment l’accent sur la Qualité de Vie au Travail (QVT) et notamment la gestion du stress en entreprise, peuvent constater une diminution du bien-être chez leurs employés.
Améliorer le bien-être des travailleurs par le coaching mental et la méditation : la solution BrainRise, un must-have du bien-être au travail
Pour aider les entreprises et les salariés à favoriser le bien-être des salariés, des solutions voient le jour. Parmi elles, des techniques de coaching mental, de méditation ou encore de relaxation.
Well-being
Improving the Quality of Life at Work of health care personnel thanks to a digital stress management therapy that is simple and accessible to all
Well-being
A wellness day for health professionals thanks to the insurance company, the Mutuelle Nationale des Hospitaliers
À cet effet, HypnoVR offre une solution immersive qui utilise la réalité virtuelle et des techniques psychologiques avancées pour offrir une expérience de détente profonde, réduisant efficacement le stress et favorisant le bien-être au travail. “Notre approche ne vise pas à révolutionner le bien-être au travail, mais plutôt à l’améliorer de manière tangible. Nous avons mis au point un dispositif qui s’intègre harmonieusement dans une démarche de Qualité de Vie au Travail (QVT), visant à créer un environnement propice au bien-être. Ce dispositif, que nous appelons BrainRise, a été conçu pour renforcer la confiance soi, gérer son stress et se reposer grâce à des séances de relaxation guidée courtes et efficaces” souligne, Nicolas Schaettel, président et fondateur.
La genèse du produit ? Pendant la crise du COVID-19, alors que les soignants étaient épuisés et surmenés, une utilisation inattendue a émergé pour la technologie HypnoVR. Initialement conçue pour de la sédation non médicamenteuse auprès des patients, HypnoVR a été employée par les soignants pour la relaxation, leur offrant ainsi un moyen de soulager le stress lié à leur travail intense.
Cet usage de circonstance a suscité l’attention d’HypnoVR, qui a réagi en conséquence. Reconnaissant le besoin urgent de soutien émotionnel et mental pour les professionnels de la santé, HypnoVR a développé une solution dédiée : BrainRise. Cette dernière met l’accent sur la relaxation, le coaching, la motivation, le repos (sieste) et la confiance en soi. Bien que non destinée à être un dispositif médical, BrainRise s’est avérée efficace pour améliorer le bien-être des soignants… mais pas que ! Vous l’aurez compris, cette solution s’étend au-delà du monde médical puisqu’elle s’adapte également aux entreprises pour aider les travailleurs à développer leur bien-être.
Coaching mental et méditation : le pari BrainRise pour une démarche QVT réussie ?
La technologie BrainRise repose sur trois piliers distincts, soigneusement conçus pour maximiser les bienfaits :
- – La réalité virtuelle, via des lunettes immersives, offre une expérience d’évasion virtuelle, isolant les utilisateurs de leur environnement quotidien pour les transporter vers des univers spécialement créés par leurs soins. Tout se personnalise simplement par l’utilisateur lui-même : Type d’accompagnement, Univers, Musique …“Nous sommes convaincus de l’importance de créer un environnement virtuel qui correspond aux préférences de chaque individu. Notre dispositif permet aux utilisateurs de sélectionner l’univers dans lequel ils souhaitent être immergés, offrant ainsi une évasion virtuelle conforme à leurs goûts personnels.” souligne Nicolas Schaettel.
- – La musicothérapie joue également un rôle essentiel, HypnoVR a conçu des musiques spécifiques en respectant des règles du circuit en U pour favoriser la détente et l’harmonie.
- – Enfin, l’accompagnement verbal, qui repose sur des voix enregistrées qui guident l’utilisateur à travers différents exercices de relaxation, coaching mental ou méditation.
Join the movement!
More than 350 institutions are already using HypnoVR to improve their patients’ experience of care.
Contactez-nousGuaranteeing patient safety: digital therapies of the same quality and reliability as all medical devices
At HypnoVR, our commitment to a rigorous and responsible approach to quality reflects our drive to create world-class medical devices that offer innovative solutions to meet the needs of their users, thereby helping to improve healthcare in a sustainable way.
A changing regulatory environment
In the healthcare sector, medical devices play a crucial role, offering a range of solutions for diagnosing, preventing, monitoring and treating illness, injury and disability.
Some of these devices, such as HypnoVR, are considered low risk (Class I) to patients under European Union rules (Regulation (EU) 2017/745). Although the rules for these devices are less strict, it is still very important to ensure that they meet certain standards. This means creating a technical file that follows European Union rules and implementing a quality management system. This guarantees that the product is safe, works well, satisfies customers and complies with current regulations.
Unlike higher-risk devices, low-risk devices do not need to be assessed by a specialist body. A simple declaration of conformity signed by the manufacturer is enough to guarantee that the product is safe and works as it should.
Quality at HypnoVR
Despite the absence of any obligation, HypnoVR has deliberately chosen to submit the quality management system for its virtual reality hypnosis software to ISO 13485:2016 certification. HypnoVR is the only French therapeutic virtual reality company to have obtained this standard from a notified organisation (an independent organisation specialising in the assessment of medical devices). This choice reflects the company’s determination and commitment to comply with the most stringent standards to ensure the safety and well-being of patients.
HypnoVR combines virtual reality with innovative software, offering a cutting-edge approach to medicine. Although these technologies are still in the regulatory structuring phase, it is crucial to ensure that they are implemented with extreme precision. Their medical use requires not only perfect knowledge of current standards, but also constant monitoring to anticipate future regulatory developments.
The aim is clear: to guarantee safety and efficacy for patients and all users.
Beyond regulatory requirements: our commitment to responsible and sustainable quality in our medical devices
HypnoVR does not simply claim compliance with the minimum regulatory requirements applicable to it. The company strives to go further, finding meaning in the implementation of these requirements, to ensure the lasting impact of its medical devices.
Implementing an ISO 13485:2016-compliant quality management system and complying with Regulation (EU) 2017/745 requires cross-functional involvement, involving every department in the company. Formalising and monitoring all processes helps to structure activities and facilitate collaboration between the various teams. Even if it requires a significant investment to set up, the long-term benefits in terms of optimisation, capacity for improvement, quality, safety and customer satisfaction are more than worth it.
HypnoVR is firmly committed to a rigorous quality approach in order to produce cutting-edge medical devices that provide innovative solutions to users’ needs, thereby contributing to sustainable improvements in healthcare.
Patient safety and satisfaction at the heart of our strategic decisions
The strategic choice to implement ISO 13485:2016 and Regulation (EU) 2017/745 is based on our values such as transparency of information, listening carefully to customer feedback and customer and patient satisfaction. Placing the patient at the heart of care is a fundamental ambition for the company. By focusing on the safety, performance and quality of its medical devices, HypnoVR is embodying its philosophy of putting patient safety first, in line with the ISO 13485:2016 approach, rather than focusing primarily on productivity and operational costs, as ISO 9001:2015 would suggest.
Product traceability also plays an essential role in facilitating after-sales service and ensuring effective management of any device recalls. As a result, every decision taken by HypnoVR is guided by a responsible, quality-focused vision, aimed at creating medical devices that meet patients’ needs while guaranteeing their safety and satisfaction.
A long journey to ensure compliance and reinforce the quality of its medical devices
To comply with ISO 13485:2016 and Regulation (EU) 2017/745, HypnoVR adopted a step-by-step approach and called in an external expert. Thanks to its agile development approach, the company is aiming for ISO 13485:2016 certification in 2021. The appointment of Dr Chloé Chauvin as Quality Manager ensures constant attention to the patient’s point of view and rigorous clinical validation of the product thanks to her medical expertise.
With the entry into force of Regulation (EU) 2017/745 in May 2021 and its desire to constantly develop its products in terms of both uses and regulatory destinations, the company has recruited an engineer dedicated to quality and regulatory issues. The challenge is to innovate while complying with a restrictive and changing regulatory environment that is not always adapted to the specific characteristics of our products. The success of our projects lies in the education and communication we have developed between our technical, regulatory and sales teams, to ensure that requirements are applied intelligently, fairly and flexibly. Today, we are taking advantage of the structuring brought about by the regulations to develop our innovations more effectively and give our teams greater visibility, while retaining a high degree of agility.
Thanks to this considered approach and strong internal cooperation, HypnoVR is positioned as an innovative company that places quality, safety and compliance with standards at the heart of its medical devices.
Improving care through high-quality medical devices
To date, HypnoVR has received feedback from over 120,000 patients, testifying to the positive impact of the device. With increasing use of the device, the expectations of users and patients are constantly evolving, both in terms of context of use and performance.
These opportunities for innovation are a source of inspiration for HypnoVR, which has embarked on the development of its class IIa medical device, HypnoVR Biofeedback, building on the foundations of its already well-established product, HypnoVR.
However, this quest for an ever more complete, high-performance product means that we have to meet stricter regulatory requirements. HypnoVR is taking up this challenge with enthusiasm, benefiting from its experience with HypnoVR, the growing skills of its teams, and the robustness of its quality management system.
Join the movement!
More than 350 institutions are already using HypnoVR to improve their patients’ experience of care.
Contactez-nousProtecting your data: HypnoVR commits to ISO/IEC 27001:2017 certification
HypnoVR, the European leader in digital therapies for pain and anxiety management, is proud to announce that it has been awarded NF EN ISO/IEC 27001:2017 certification for its information security management system.
IT security, which is essential in the healthcare sector, aims to guarantee the availability and integrity of data, thereby ensuring continuity of care and patient confidence. Connected medical devices such as HypnoVR naturally have to meet the highest safety standards.
ISO 27001:2017 certification reinforces our commitment to the protecting the sensitive data of our customers, employees and partners. This recognition reinforces the confidence of healthcare establishments and companies in the quality and safety of the therapeutic virtual reality solutions offered by HypnoVR.
NF EN ISO/IEC 27001:2013 + COR1:2014 + COR2:2015:2017 is an international standard for information security management systems. It requires the identification and assessment of information security risks and the implementation of robust measures to mitigate them. It is essential to stress that obtaining this certification is not an end in itself for HypnoVR. On the contrary, it symbolises the beginning of a resolute and ongoing commitment to the constant improvement of our information security practices.
La santé de demain ne peut se construire qu’avec la confiance des patients, soignants et établissements de santé. Nous sommes fiers de franchir cette nouvelle étape chez HypnoVR avec une certification qui vient compléter nos certifications ISO13485 signe de la qualité de nos dispositifs médicaux.
Nicolas Schaettel, PDG d’HypnoVR.
HypnoVR is actively committed to validating and securing the use of therapeutic virtual reality, with the aim of setting new standards on the market. This ensures that patients and healthcare professionals benefit from secure, certified solutions to improve the quality of care.
Join the movement!
More than 350 institutions are already using HypnoVR to improve their patients’ experience of care.
Contactez-nousDiscover hypnosis helmets and immersive glasses for a unique treatment experience!
The constant advance of technology has opened up exciting new doors in the medical field, and the use of hypnosis headsets and immersive goggles is a striking example of this.
The many users of these solutions are adamant that virtual reality is a real asset for improving care pathways. “I didn’t feel a thing, it was quite pleasant”, says Maximilien, a young patient of Dr Clauss, after using the HypnoVR solution for a dental treatment, or “I felt nothing, it was quite pleasant”. or “You’re somewhere else, you’re not thinking about the operation that’s about to happen. […] » testifies a patient after using HypnoVR for outpatient surgery at Besançon University Hospital.
As we can see, these innovative devices – such as hypnosis masks and hypnotic goggles – make it possible to create a unique therapeutic experience that revolutionises the way patients experience their medical care. HypnoVR, a leader in digital therapies to reduce pain and anxiety, offers virtual reality solutions that are already highly acclaimed for treating patients and improving their well-being, as well as that of their carers.
A closer look at a complementary solution to traditional medicine that is gaining in popularity in the medical world.
The dual impact of HypnoVR products: fighting pain and anxiety
Pain and anxiety are two of the everyday problems encountered by patients when undergoing medical treatment. HypnoVR offers a solution that is now used in over 350 healthcare establishments and tackles these two problems directly to improve patient care.
A large part of the pain experienced by patients is linked to its cognitive and emotional components.
By modulating these two components, HypnoVR considerably improves patient comfort and makes it possible to reduce dosages or the need to resort to medicinal products such as anxiolytics and sedatives (e.g., antihistamines, antidepressants): -45% reduction in analgesic consumption during scoliosis surgery), before, during and after the treatment. This approach has a positive impact on reducing patient movement, patient recovery, care safety, overall patient experience and patient satisfaction.
For example, HypnoVR has tested the combination of medical hypnosis and virtual reality in the treatment of anxious children. Very good results were observed in the associated pilot study. Its aim was to assess the clinical feasibility, tolerance and effectiveness of HypnoVR virtual reality programmes in paediatric dentistry. It mainly included young patients with anxiety, aged at least 9 years (the average age being 11 years). An assessment of anxiety and satisfaction scores showed a significant 45% reduction in anxiety during iterative virtual reality sessions, with an average patient satisfaction score of 8/10.
Another study looking at the use of virtual headsets to treat pain and anxiety in patients undergoing urological procedures at Strasbourg University Hospital, and also assessing their satisfaction and that of the care team, revealed that :
– The satisfaction score for doctors was 9/10 and for nurses 9.4/10.
– The patient satisfaction score was 8.1/10.
– 85.2% were relaxed during the treatment
– 89.3% would like to benefit from the scheme during their next treatment
A solution tested and approved by numerous healthcare establishments
Widely distributed in France, Belgium and Switzerland, HypnoVR has already won over many fans:
« The patient is isolated from the sight of the operating theatre, the surgical equipment, the surgeons and the sometimes stressful noises associated with an operation. This significantly reduces his anxiety and the sensation of pain, which means he can use less anti-anxiety medication, the side effects of which can lead to memory loss and other inconveniences”. says Dr Jérôme Delcourt, anaesthetist and intensive care physician with the Courlancy Santé Group.
In addition to the benefits for patients, HypnoVR can improve and speed up care, as many healthcare professionals have pointed out : «Patient comfort is significantly improved, and the length of hospital stay is reduced, with a return home requiring less analgesic treatment.says Dr Jérôme Delcourt, while Dr Johanna Zana comments: “The patient is more relaxed, and the treatment goes much more smoothly.
Denis Graff, anaesthetist and intensive care physician at the Clinique Rhéna in Strasbourg and co-founder of HypnoVR, sums up the “cascading benefits” of HypnoVR quite simply “The benefits are first and foremost for the patient: no risks associated with anaesthesia, no undesirable effects associated with the products injected, no need to go into the recovery room, and an accelerated procedure. There are also benefits for the surgical team in terms of increased surgical safety. It’s also in the interests of the healthcare establishment, as the technique helps to streamline the care process and shorten the length of stay in outpatient surgery departments. All in all, it’s a triple win!
The facts, “The helmet is used to reduce pain before, during and after medical procedures using medical hypnosis. It can also alleviate stress and anxiety levels during a procedure. It was introduced in the hospital’s oncology department at the beginning of 2020, and quickly proved its worth. And it is being used more and more by carers. It can now be found in six departments, including geriatrics, paediatrics, follow-up and rehabilitation care (SSR), radiology and the operating theatre.” Dr Romain Pardenaud, Cholet hospital (ouest-france.fr).
According to Dr CAPS, intensive care anaesthetist at the Claude Bernard Hospital in Metz, “the first patient to try out the virtual reality headset left the hospital delighted with the process, even disappointed that the experiment had come to an end”.
Anaesthesia
Témoignage d’une patiente opérée sous anesthésie locale au Centre Hospitalier de Châteauroux-Le Blanc
Gynaecology
HypnoVR during oocyte puncture as part of a medically assisted reproduction (MAP) program
Anaesthesia
The HypnoVR solution in the oncology department of the Groupe Hospitalier de Saint Vincent
HypnoVR: a complementary approach to medication
It is important to note that HypnoVR is not a complete replacement for drugs, but rather a means of reducing their use. Hypnosis headsets and immersive goggles are presented as a “non-drug alternative” that can be used in tandem with traditional treatments. This complementary approach paves the way for a safer, more personalised approach for each patient and each carer.
Hypnosis headsets and immersive goggles: versatile uses
“We have begun to target the operating theatre, as a complement to conventional sedation products during and after surgery, to relieve post-operative pain. “says HypnoVR interviewed by France bleu Alsacewhose solution is now used in more than 30 medical specialities, to treat both pain and anxiety at all stages of patient care.
HypnoVR’s hypnosis headsets and immersive goggles have a wide range of applications. They can be used in a variety of medical scenarios, from surgery to childbirth preparation and post-operative recovery. The solution, which is a CE-marked Class 1 medical device, has proven efficacy in more than 12 medical fields, making it a serious and reliable option for treating patients.
Simplicity, service and personalisation at the heart of the experience
One of the key features of HypnoVR’s solution is its ease of use, with a turnkey solution that enables any practitioner to launch a medical hypnosis session with just a few clicks and in less than 30 seconds.
HypnoVR also offers a high level of customisation. Every patient is unique, which is why an individualised approach is so important in healthcare. HypnoVR’s hypnosis helmets and immersive goggles allow patients and carers to choose from a variety of sessions tailored to different needs and preferences. The carer can accompany this session, which can be controlled remotely using a touch-sensitive tablet,” adds Dr Romain Pardenaud.
Thanks to years of development, the platform offers thousands of combinations of sessions, with more than 13 therapeutic accompaniments of any length, as well as the possibility of choosing from numerous musical atmospheres, high-definition 3D universes and more than 10 languages. Patients can choose from a range of options to create a unique experience that is as pleasant and personal as possible. This flexibility allows patients and carers to select the sessions that best suit each patient’s individual needs, and reinforces the patient’s commitment to the treatment process, as they feel they are being looked after in a holistic way and become actors in their own care.
Do you need help? Our local teams are on hand to support you from implementation to regular updating of the solutions.
Scientific support and validation of HypnoVR solutions
A crucial feature of HypnoVR is its scientific backing. With numerous clinical studies to its credit, as well as ISO 13485 certification, HypnoVR benefits from a solid scientific and medical foundation that supports its claims. The tools were designed by 2 hypnotherapist anaesthetists and clinically validated by more than 24 scientific papers. This validation reinforces the confidence of practitioners and patients in the use of this innovative method. fff
Hypnosis headsets and immersive goggles offer a unique experience for patients in the medical field. The complementary approach to conventional treatments, the personalisation of sessions, the scientific validation and the positive impact on pain and anxiety make HypnoVR an innovative solution for improving patient care. As technology continues to evolve, it’s exciting to see how its use is shaping the future of medical care by offering an effective and recognised non-drug alternative.
Who can use HypnoVR headsets?
The virtual reality headset is suitable for all ages (from 7 upwards), except for patients with epilepsy or psychiatric disorders. With more than 10 years of literature and scientific validation behind it, medical hypnosis has proved effective in the treatment of pain and anxiety. The use of virtual reality is relevant before, during and after any medical intervention that may cause anxiety or pain in patients.
HypnoVR headsets promote patient well-being and help to improve patient satisfaction with care in healthcare establishments. What’s more, these headsets aren’t just for patients: they also offer carers a valuable resource for their well-being at work, enabling them to relax and manage the stress inherent in their profession.
Join the movement!
More than 350 institutions are already using HypnoVR to improve their patients’ experience of care.
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