Revolutionary Virtual Avatar Boosts UK Perinatal Mental Health Training
Up to 20% of new mums in the UK face perinatal mental health issues. While many cases are mild and short-lived, some are severe, putting both parents and babies at risk. Yet, healthcare trainees often lack chances to practice vital communication skills in a safe setting.
Meet Stacey: The Virtual Patient Changing the Game
Health Education England, teaming up with Fracture Reality, has launched “Stacey” – a groundbreaking patient avatar designed to simulate perinatal mental health consultations. Trainees don a headset and interact with Stacey through instructor-led scenarios on the JoinXR platform.
This immersive tech can be used in augmented reality within clinical settings or virtual reality, where students engage with Stacey in her home or other environments. It lets learners have real-life style conversations, assess symptoms, and plan care – all while reflecting on each encounter.
Training That Works: Proven Impact on Learners
- Over 100 participants including GP and mental health nurse trainees tested the tool.
- Studies by the University of Leeds found cognitive and emotional understanding significantly improved.
- GP trainees reported less anxiety tackling perinatal mental health cases.
- Mental health nursing students felt more motivated and prepared for perinatal care careers.
- Nearly 80% of learners preferred this method over traditional training.
Other universities are set to trial the technology, with NHS organisations gaining access via the Health Education England’s Technology Enhanced Learning team.
Experts Hail Stacey as a Training Breakthrough
Steve Barclay, Health and Social Care Secretary: “Technology is transforming care and NHS training. This project shows how immersive simulations help staff understand complex patient needs, such as new mums facing mental health challenges.”
Rebecca Burgess-Dawson, National Clinical Lead for Mental Health, Health Education England: “Stacey offers real, relatable scenarios for learners, helping them build essential skills before working with real patients.”
Dr Faisal Mushtaq, Director, Centre for Immersive Technologies, University of Leeds: “VR has been used for technical skills like surgery, but Stacey shows how XR tech can also train healthcare workers for emotionally tough conversations. It’s a major step forward.”
Mark Knowles-Lee, CEO of Fracture Reality: “We’re proud to pioneer this cutting-edge technology with Stacey, combining design and healthcare expertise to advance medical training into the future.”
