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Issue 9: 11.2024
In This Issue:
Welcome to this special issue, dedicated entirely to the impactful work VRD HealthTech is undertaking in Costa Rica. As a leader in integrating immersive technologies into mental health, physical rehabilitation, and wellness, VRD HealthTech is reshaping how professionals and patients experience healthcare. From partnerships with institutions like Universidad Hispanoamericana to innovative collaborations with the Board of Professional Psychologists of Costa Rica, VRD HealthTech is setting new standards in digital health solutions.
In this issue, you’ll discover how VRD’s tools are being used for everything from ADHD assessment in children to cognitive skill development and stress management for all ages. You’ll also read about a recent Open House event, where families and professionals got a first-hand look at VRD’s pioneering technologies. Dive in to explore a future of healthcare that’s immersive, accessible, and transformative.
Happy reading!
- The VRD HealthTech team
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The "Immersive Tech Talk" Podcast series continues!
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Collaborating for Innovation in Health and Education: Universidad Hispanoamericana and VRD HealthTech
In the Photo: VRD HealthTech CEO and Founder, Shari Marion (left) after signing the agreement with Universidad Hispanoamericana's President, Dr. Francisco Prestamo (right).
Universidad Hispanoamericana (UH) and VRD HealthTech Latin America have joined forces to expand research, education, and innovative healthcare applications through a collaborative agreement. This partnership aligns with both organization's missions to drive progress in Costa Rica's health and education sectors, bringing together academic and technological expertise to enhance wellness through immersive technology applications. The cooperative framework is built on mutual trust and shared objectives.
UH, a private institution founded in 1982, has become a leader in technological advancements within education, especially across health sciences and engineering. VRD HealthTech specializes in providing immersive technology applications designed to support healthcare and educational initiatives.
This partnership will support a variety of collaborative projects that emphasize research and community involvement. According to the agreement, UH and VRD will facilitate joint training sessions, community engagement programs, and academic research initiatives, fostering professional growth and contributing to Costa Rica’s economy and societal development. Moreover, both institutions have committed to high standards of transparency, confidentiality, and mutual benefit. Through effective coordination and regular evaluations, they aim to ensure sustainable impact in the sectors they serve.
Over the next four years, this partnership will focus on creating tangible improvements in healthcare and education using cutting-edge technology, with the potential to extend beyond that timeline as mutual goals evolve. In a world where technology is transforming healthcare and education, this collaboration represents an exciting step forward in Costa Rica, combining academia and tech innovation to make lasting, positive change.
Expanding Mental Health Education with VR: A Partnership Between VRD and the Board of Psychologists
In the photo, VRD HealthTech CEO and Founder Shari Marion (right) and Dr. Angelo Arguello, President of the Board of Professional Psychologists of Costa Rica (center), present the signed agreement. They are joined by Dr. Roberto Rodríguez, Director of VRD HealthTech LATAM (left).
In an exciting development for mental health professionals, VRD HealthTech Latin America has partnered with the Board of Professional Psychologists of Costa Rica (CPPCR) to offer innovative educational programs and resources. This collaboration seeks to integrate immersive technology into the educational activities available to psychologists across Costa Rica, enhancing professional training and making advanced tools more accessible to those in the mental health field.
A Shared Vision for Professional Development
This partnership is designed to address a shared goal: empowering psychologists with state-of-the-art educational opportunities. The agreement outlines a commitment from both VRD HealthTech and CPPCR to host at least two academic activities each year, which will aim to create an interactive learning experience that bridges technology and mental health practice. The sessions will be facilitated by experts and hosted in settings that promote an immersive, hands-on learning environment, which will include lectures, workshops, and VR demonstrations.
To further support psychologists, VRD HealthTech has committed to offering a scholarship discount of 15% or more for CPPCR members on certain educational programs. This benefit, available only to active members, is a practical way to make advanced technology training accessible and affordable for mental health professionals dedicated to continuous learning.
Innovative Training Resources
For VRD HealthTech, this collaboration represents a chance to showcase immersive technologies as powerful tools in mental health practice. By leveraging VR in training sessions, psychologists can engage in scenarios that simulate patient interactions or therapeutic exercises in a safe, controlled environment. These experiences not only enhance understanding but also prepare professionals for real-world applications with a more empathetic and effective approach to care.
Visibility and Reach
The agreement also provides a platform for VRD HealthTech to share information on educational programs and VR resources with the broader psychology community in Costa Rica. Through CPPCR’s media channels, including newsletters and social media, VRD will gain visibility for its offerings, helping psychologists stay informed about opportunities to advance their skills. This visibility is especially important in a field that is rapidly evolving with the integration of digital tools for therapy and diagnostics.
Exploring the Future of Mental Health:
VRD HealthTech's Open House at Clinica Biblica Showcases Immersive Technology for the Community
VRD HealthTech recently held an exciting Open House event dedicated to demonstrating the latest in immersive technologies for mental health care. Hosted on October 26th at the Auditorio, Torre Médica Omega in Hospital Clínica Bíblica, this event introduced both families and health professionals to cutting-edge tools designed for mental health assessment, therapeutic intervention, and stress management.
A Hands-On Experience with Advanced Technology
The Open House provided a rare opportunity for attendees to engage directly with immersive technology tools that are transforming mental health care. Over three sessions, participants explored a suite of innovative products, including cognitive training applications, stress reduction programs, and therapeutic assessment tools. Each session allowed attendees to try the technology first-hand, immersing themselves in environments designed for therapeutic impact.
VRD HealthTech showcased products such as the vCAT (virtual Classroom Attention Tracker), a virtual reality-based assessment tool for children ages 6-14 that evaluates attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity — key indicators of ADHD. This immersive tool has been shown to provide a more ecologically valid, objective assessment than traditional methods, offering valuable insights for both clinicians and parents. In addition, FocusEDTx, an animated intervention program for younger children with ADHD, was also highlighted. This application allows children to build skills in organization, impulse control, and emotional regulation in a gamified format, while providing parents with a monitoring app to track progress.
Innovative Tools for Cognitive and Stress Management
For both children and adults, the company introduced Virtuleap's EnhanceVR, a cognitive skills training program that utilizes 15 VR games to improve areas such as memory, attention, problem-solving, and motor control. This versatile tool supports both cognitive development and rehabilitation, offering tailored experiences for people with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, or cognitive decline due to aging or illness.
Healium, another featured product, captivated the audience with its VR-based stress management platform. Designed to help users manage stress-related conditions, Healium immerses individuals in calming environments like beaches or mountains, providing guided breathing exercises to promote relaxation. It has proven effective for reducing stress in educational, clinical, and corporate settings, making it a valuable tool for a wide range of applications.
"Trying the VR technology firsthand is truly transformative for professionals," shared Dr. Roberto Rodriguez, presenter of the event. "When health practitioners experience these tools in action, they gain a deeper understanding of their potential to revolutionize mental health care."
Connecting with Costa Rican Health Professionals
A key component of the Open House was collaboration between the community and professionals. Attendees were introduced to providers in Costa Rica already employing these advanced tools, underscoring VRD HealthTech’s commitment to fostering a community of practice within the country. The event highlighted VRD’s ongoing efforts to bring globally developed health technologies to Costa Rican clinics, hospitals, and practitioners, bridging the gap between high-tech solutions and real-world clinical needs.
The Future of Immersive Technology in Mental Health
The Open House highlighted the company's groundbreaking tools and sparked excitement about the future of immersive technology in mental health care. By merging technology with therapeutic processes, VRD HealthTech is empowering mental health professionals and families alike to approach mental wellness with innovative solutions. Events like this help to demystify the technology, enabling health professionals and families to envision its practical applications for mental health care in Costa Rica.
With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and community engagement, VRD HealthTech’s Open House has set a new standard for how mental health technology can be introduced and integrated into professional practice, providing a glimpse into a future where immersive technology play a central role in mental health care.
Game-Changer in Immersive Tech Retail: Partnering with Intelec
In the photo: VRD HealthTech’s CEO and Founder, Shari Marion (center); Mr. Rafael Zúñiga, CEO of Intelec (left); and Dr. Roberto Rodríguez, Director of VRD Healthtech LATAM (right).
During her visit to Costa Rica, our CEO and Founder, Shari Marion, had the opportunity to meet with Mr. Rafael Zúñiga, CEO and Founder of Intelec, a company specializing in retail technology. The two companies have a signed agreement that allows VRD HealthTech's clients to receive economic benefits when purchasing virtual reality headsets. Through this alliance, VRD HealthTech will have the opportunity to showcase its products in Intelec’s various stores across the country.
Did You Know?
VRD Visits the Embassy of Panama in San José, Costa Rica
During her visit to San José, VRD HealthTech's CEO and Founder had the opportunity to visit the Embassy of Panama and meet with Ms. Patricia Abrahams, Commercial Attaché. A presentation of VRD's work in Costa Rica was given, and discussion ensued encompassing the various ways to bring the benefits of VR technology to health and education services in Panama.
CEO and Founder of VRD HealthTech, Shari Marion, comments, "VRD’s mission has been to accelerate the adoption of immersive technology for health and wellness applications. With the recent strategic collaborations in Costa Rica and the opportunity to expand into Panama and other countries, we are well on our way to achieving our goal of introducing the tremendous benefits of immersive technology to the people of these countries."
In the photo from left to right: Ms. Abrahams; Ms. Itza Broce, Business Attaché Ms. Shari Marion, CEO and Founder of VRD HealthTech; and Dr. Roberto Rodríguez, Director of VRD HealthTech LATAM.
Immersive Tech Week 2024 - December 4–6, 2024
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
A premier event showcasing the latest advancements in immersive technologies, including VR, AR, and XR, featuring exhibitions, workshops, and networking opportunities.
IEEE 3rd International Conference on Intelligent Reality - December 5th - 6th, 2024
Location: Coimbra, Portugal
This conference focuses on intelligent reality, encompassing VR, AR, and XR technologies, with discussions on the latest research and applications in the field.
VRARA Healthcare Summit 2024: Best in Medical, XR, AI - December 12th, 2024
Location: Virtual (LinkedIn Live)
This summit highlights the integration of XR and AI in healthcare, featuring presentations and discussions from industry experts on the latest innovations and applications.
