💓The Story

There have been studies in this space showing how (VR) games can leverage immersion and interactivity for therapeutic applications like providing engaging distractions for pain management, simulating controlled virtual environments for exposure therapy in varied mental health conditions (stress, anxiety, etc), and creating motivating gamified exercises for rehabilitation, ultimately enhancing players’ experiences and outcomes. 😃

🎯Story Takeaways

1️⃣ Digital Therapeutics: Digital therapeutics refers to the use of software-based interventions, often delivered through mobile apps, wearable devices, or online platforms, to prevent, manage, or treat medical conditions. These digital interventions are designed to modify patient behavior, provide education, and support adherence to treatment plans.

2️⃣Games, when designed thoughtfully and with specific goals in mind, can be powerful tools for shifting our perceptions and promoting personal growth. The immersive and interactive nature of games can create engaging experiences that challenge our assumptions, encourage new perspectives, and foster positive mindsets. Here are some ways in which well-designed games can shift our perceptions toward growth.

3️⃣ Diverse cultural perspectives play a significant role in the development and implementation of digital therapeutics. As these technologies aim to provide accessible and personalized healthcare solutions, it is crucial to consider and incorporate cultural diversity to ensure their effectiveness and widespread adoption.

#ImmersiveMedicine #HealingGames #VideoGames #PowerofPlay #MAGICademy

🍀Conversation Outline

00:00 The start of immersive medicine

05:50 How games when well designed can shift our perceptions toward growth

12:59 The role of diverse culture in mental health therapy

16:06 How do we measure the impact of therapeutic games?

18:40 The future of digital therapeutics

23:51 Potential risks and guardrails: monopoly & deferred cares

31:56 Ryan's MAGIC

☕ Connect with Our Guest Here

A noted expert and innovator in the fields of mental health, artificial intelligence, and surgical robotics, Ryan has been on the frontline of major paradigm shifts in healthcare for nearly 20 years. He is the co-founder of NeuFluent and DeepWell DTx, a new video game company dedicated to creating medically therapeutic games while maintaining 'best-in-class' gameplay. Ryan has participated in the commercialization of 20 medical devices, including treatments for depression, hypertension, women's health, chronic pain, and related neurological conditions. He holds pivotal patents for medical AI, robotics, and systems and frequently achieves FDA clearance for breakthrough therapies.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanjdouglas/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/deepwelldtx

https://www.deepwelldtx.com/

📚Reference:

Eve, Z., Turner, M., Di Basilio, D., Harkin, B., Yates, A., Persson, S., Henry, J., Williams, A., Walton, G., Jones, M.V., Whitley, C., & Craddock, N. (2023). Therapeutic games to reduce anxiety and depression in young people: A systematic review and exploratory meta-analysis of their use and effectiveness. Clinical psychology & psychotherapy.
Barnes, S., Chandler, T., & Granda-Salazar, M. (2022). Help over harm: practical and ethical considerations for the evaluation and deployment of therapeutic games. Mental Health and Social Inclusion.