Anna Kalema, MD, assistant professor in the division of pulmonary, critical care, and sleep medicine, is partnering with VRTogether, a Lexington based startup led by Richard Hoagland, to improve outcomes for patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). VRTogether is an XR studio on a mission to create games for flourishing. They build immersive experiences that bring joy and connection – from virtual reality (VR) games on the Meta Store to digital therapeutics that improve health and tackle big societal challenges. Together, Dr. Kalema and VRTogether aim to reduce the incidence and impact of delirium using immersive VR technology.
Patients in the ICU have the highest risks for delirium, estimated to be between 70% to 80%. The effects of delirium are profound, with higher 12- month mortality rates following discharge, significant increases in ICU length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation, risk of long-term cognitive impairments, and reduced quality of life after discharge. Despite its prevalence, effective interventions remain limited.
To address this need, VRTogether has been awarded a Phase I SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) grant to develop the Virtual PARTNER (Provide, Activate, Restore, Track, iNspire, Educate, Rehabilitate) program. PARTNER is a virtual reality–based mind-body intervention designed specifically for ICU patients. Built around social engagement and wellness-focused VR experiences, the program aims to reduce feelings of isolation, anxiety, and depression, which are key risk factors for delirium.
Dr. Kalema and her team at UK HealthCare will pilot PARTNER in the ICU setting to assess its feasibility, safety, and early impact. If successful, PARTNER aims to roll out on a larger scale, hoping to reduce delirium, enhance health, and decrease mortality both during and after admission to an ICU, as well as improve quality of life during an ICU stay.
The partnership between the University of Kentucky and VRTogether signifies a unique and innovative approach to improve outcomes for patients who are critically ill in the ICU.
