gameChange VR
Research type
Research Study
Full title
gameChange VR: a real-world waitlist randomised controlled trial for the treatment of severe agoraphobic avoidance in the context of psychosis
IRAS ID
351247
Contact name
Daniel Freeman
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Oxford Research Governance, Ethics and Assurance
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
Aims
We aim to carry out a real-world study of gameChange used in the NHS. gameChange is a virtual reality (VR) treatment for people with psychosis. The study will help NICE decide whether they should fully recommend gameChange.
The project is funded by NIHR, in collaboration with the Office for Life Sciences and NICE (OLS Real World Evidence Programme). It is specific funding “aimed at generating evidence in real world settings for those products that have been recommended for early use in the NHS through the NICE Early Value Assessment (EVA) process”. gameChange has NICE EVA recommendation.
Background
Many people with psychosis find the world very frightening. It’s difficult for them to do everyday things – for example, walking down a busy street, travelling on a bus, or going to the shops. Sometimes, things are so tough that individuals rarely leave their homes. So, funded by NIHR, we developed gameChange.
In gameChange users practise over eight weeks going into computerised versions of ordinary situations. A virtual therapist guides users through the programme. A mental health worker also supports people.
We tested gameChange with 346 patients with psychosis. People saw a significant reduction in their fears. People with the most severe problems made the biggest improvements. gameChange was very popular. It may save costs for the NHS and social services.
Design
We will test gameChange in a new trial with 200 people. As required by the NICE EVA, this time the trial will focus only on individuals with the most severe fears. These are people who are often housebound. Half the people will get gameChange immediately and half after six months. We want to find out whether gameChange does help reduce fears about everyday situations. We want to check that gameChange is inclusive. We will also test whether gameChange is affordable for the NHS.
REC name
Wales REC 3
REC reference
25/WA/0081
Date of REC Opinion
17 Mar 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion