VR Starlight: Children’s Foundation & Virtual Reality

At the Denver Film Festival on November 9th, 2019, Lenovo premiered a film entitled “THIS IS LIFE” showcasing its work with Starlight Children’s Foundation in bringing VR technology to critically ill young patients, predominantly to reduce anxiety in mild to moderately painful procedures such as lumbar punctures.

The collaboration uses the Lenovo Mirage Solo VR headset in its Starlight Virtual Reality program. In their experience with several patients, using the VR as a calming distraction has allowed those patients to undergo procedures while awake, cut down on lengthy recovery times, and reduced the need for medication.

Background

Lenovo, a US$50 billion Fortune Global 500 company has a single motto: Smarter Technology for All. To that end, they are developing world-changing technologies with the aim of creating a more inclusive, sustainable, and trustworthy digital society. Thus Lenovo aligns its mission with the societal responsibility of using smarter technologies to improve lives.

From March 31st to April 27th, 2019, Lenovo surveyed 15,226 people in eight languages across 10 global markets. They asked respondents how they viewed the role of technology in their lives and in society, both today and in the future.

What Lenovo Found

Many respondents believed new technologies had the ability to transform the healthcare space with almost half saying technology would be ‘critical’ in the future of healthcare.

The majority (84 percent) said the technology could empower people, communities, and society to help address and solve global problems including healthcare. However, only a quarter felt it was the technology company's responsibility to address and solve societal and worldwide challenges.

More than two-thirds of those surveyed said technology and smart devices are having a positive impact on their ability to lead healthier lives.

However, only half (50 percent) globally think technology has been positive in improving aspects of the healthcare space. Therefore, this leaves quite a space for tech companies such as Lenovo to grow and innovate into a space where technology makes a positive impact.

To that end, Lenovo partnered with Starlight Children’s Foundation to create the Starlight Virtual Reality program for hospitalized children.

Adam Garone, CEO, Starlight Children’s Foundation, had this to say, “we believe happy children heal faster, and the astounding impact of Starlight’s Virtual Reality program at Children’s Hospital Colorado affirms our belief in the transformative power of technology to positively affect a child’s experience in the hospital."