Antser wins 'best use of virtual reality' crown at Health Tech Digital Awards

A health and social care technology provider has been crowned as the winner in the ‘Best Use of Virtual Reality’ category at the Health Tech Digital Awards 2021.

Antser works with professionals on the front-line in supporting children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

The annual Health Tech Digital Awards celebrate and recognise technology excellence across the health and social care sector and Antser are delighted to be selected as the winners, having competed against some strong competition in the category.

Based on their work with Darent Valley Hospital, a member of the Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust, Antser were recognised as the winners for the use of Antser Virtual Reality (VR) technology within the hospital’s Safeguarding Training.

Overseen by the Safeguarding Children’s Team, Antser VR has been used as a Level 3 training and development resource for the hospital workforce, including A & E, paediatrics, and maternity. Following the training, over 10 staff members were able to deliver the VR training programme to a further 164 staff members throughout the organisation.

Richard Dooner, chief executive officer at Antser, said: “We are thrilled to have been crowned the winners of the Best Use of Virtual Reality category for our successful partnership with Darent Valley Hospital at the Health Tech Digital Awards 2021.

“Over the course of the pandemic we have noticed a need for innovation and technology solutions across the health and social care sector. Antser empowers and provides professionals with the knowledge and skills to help deliver better outcomes for the most vulnerable people in our society and this award is a huge recognition of both our and Darent Valley Hospital’s hard work.”

Antser VR develops VR-enabled behaviour change programmes designed for children’s and adults’ social care, as well as health and education. Using in-house designed, hard-hitting VR films as case studies, they immerse users into the lives of children and young people who have experienced trauma and abuse, offering the opportunity to walk in the footsteps of the child or young person.

Following the VR training, Darent Valley Hospital is now looking to explore how VR can be used for a stop smoking initiative and to work with other health partners to provide trauma informed training.