UMC Groningen

Game improves perspective for action in case of a delirium

Challenge

Every year, there are 100,000 delirious patients in the Netherlands. Older patients are particularly at risk of developing delirium, for instance after being under anaesthesia. Due to lack of awareness and understanding of the condition, patients are often diagnosed too late and receive inadequate treatment.

Patients often feel powerless or even misunderstood by caretakers and loved ones. How can we support patients and ensure that carers and relatives know how best to handle them during a delirium?

Solution

IJsfontein developed the Delirium Experience for Stichting Effectieve Ouderenzorg. Delirium is a VR experience that teaches healthcare professionals how to recognise and treat a delirious patient. The Delirium Experience aims to contribute positively to an attitude change, enabling doctors and nurses to take even better care of this category of patients who are often perceived as ‘difficult'. In the game you will experience delirium from different perspectives.

The stories on which the Delirium Experience scenario is based are real and are performed by experienced actors such as Frits Lambrechts

Impact

After playing the Delirium Experience, people can better empathise with delirious patients and understand how to deal with them. Delirium Experience won a Serious Play Awards 'Best of Show’ and received a Keurmerk DSSH Valide Game. Furthermore, the Delirium Experience has been nominated for the Dutch Interactive Award, Index Award and Dutch game award.