The recent Palliative Care NSW (PCNSW) Conference in Tamworth offered an inspiring look into the evolving landscape of palliative care across New South Wales. For over 40 years, PCNSW has championed the rights of individuals with life-limiting illnesses and their caregivers, striving to ensure quality care access for all, regardless of location. This year’s conference brought together healthcare professionals, industry innovators, community leaders, and advocates under one roof to discuss critical advancements, with an eye on enhancing the experiences and services for patients and their families.
The conference was held in the scenic town of Tamworth, situated in the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) – an area of 131,785 square kilometres, rich in Indigenous heritage, home to various traditional custodians including the Kamilaroi, Awabakal, Worimi, and Wonnarua peoples. As the region’s population is projected to exceed one million by 2031, the demand for accessible, effective palliative care services continues to rise, making this conference a timely platform for discussions and collaboration.
PatientVR: A Technological Leap in Patient Care
One of the standout exhibits at the conference was PatientVR, an innovative virtual reality solution developed by Mobiddiction. Designed specifically to support patient well-being, pain management, and positive distraction, PatientVR aims to reshape how palliative care providers engage with patients, offering an immersive experience that can alleviate stress and discomfort during care.
PatientVR’s presence at the conference was particularly exciting, as it underscores the rapid technological advancement occurring within healthcare. The application is built upon years of development and collaboration, including over 300 consultations with healthcare professionals, ensuring it is finely tuned to meet the unique needs of patients in palliative care settings. This has made PatientVR a natural fit for trials in hospitals such as Nepean Hospital Palliative Care and Logan Hospital, where it has received positive feedback and recognition from NSW Health and QLD Metro South Health.
“Beyond the Fax” – A Glimpse into VR’s Role in Modern Healthcare
Our founder and director, Mike Vasavada, presented a compelling session titled “Beyond the Fax,” which explored the transition from traditional methods to cutting-edge technology in palliative care. His talk delved into the vast potential of virtual reality in the healthcare space, illustrating how tools like PatientVR go beyond mere distraction to become an essential part of patient management, wellness, and comfort.
Mike’s presentation highlighted the importance of digital innovation, which is reshaping not just the tools of care but the very experience of receiving care. By moving beyond legacy practices and adopting modern, patient-centred technology, healthcare providers can offer a more holistic, compassionate approach. His talk struck a chord with many attendees, illustrating how VR can help bring significant, lasting improvements in patient well-being.
The Power of Partnerships in Palliative Care
The PCNSW conference serves as an essential meeting ground for cross-industry collaboration, where providers and innovators can unite in their shared mission. For companies like Mobiddiction, the event was a unique opportunity to connect directly with healthcare professionals, gain insight into the day-to-day challenges of palliative care, and understand how solutions like PatientVR can continue to evolve to meet these needs.
By working together, industry leaders, healthcare professionals, and advocates are laying the foundation for a future in which all individuals, no matter their geographic location, can access compassionate, high-quality palliative care. The conference not only celebrated existing services but also pointed to the promise of future technology-enabled solutions, opening the door for broader adoption of tools like PatientVR in both urban and rural areas.
Looking Forward: The Future of Virtual Reality in Healthcare
As we continue to see the growing adoption of digital tools within healthcare, PatientVR represents a glimpse into what the future may hold. At Mobiddiction, we are deeply committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in digital health, ensuring that PatientVR remains at the forefront of patient-centred innovation. The positive reception from both healthcare providers and patients has been encouraging, reinforcing our belief that technology has a unique role in improving comfort, well-being, and ultimately the quality of life for those in palliative care.
The PCNSW conference in Tamworth provided a valuable reminder that palliative care is not just about medical treatment; it’s about enhancing every aspect of the patient experience. With continued collaboration, learning, and innovation, we look forward to a future where solutions like PatientVR are available to support individuals and families across New South Wales and beyond, bringing comfort, connection, and care to those who need it most.
