Occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech language pathologists at Spartanburg Regional are leveraging advanced virtual reality technology to meet rehabilitation patients where they are and support their recovery. 

Earlier this year, therapists at Spartanburg Medical Center and Spartanburg Medical Center – Mary Black Campus began using virtual reality headsets and software to accelerate patients' recovery time and bring real-world experiences to their clinical setting. 

This step forward in innovation was made possible through Spartanburg Regional’s partnership with NeuroRehab VR, which uses pre-programmed virtual environments to help patients practice functional skills and movement. The Spartanburg Regional Foundation provided $127,000 in grant funding to pave the way for this innovation in rehabilitation services. 

“Spartanburg Regional Foundation's mission is to advance health in the community and healthcare system. Part of our role is to drive innovation that truly transforms patient care. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are able to bring advanced tools, like VR rehabilitation, to patients,” said Polly Edwards-Padgett, the Foundation’s executive director. “We are deeply grateful for the donors who make this advancement possible."   

Virtual reality technology allows patients to engage in interactive, game-like therapy sessions that stimulate neuroplasticity, functional recovery and increased motivation. Patients wear headsets and use handheld controllers while clinicians stand alongside them, guiding and helping them navigate the virtual environment through a tablet or monitor. 

For example, rather than traveling to a physical grocery store to test their functionality with walking, reaching and grasping, they can practice these same empowering skills in comfort and safety within a clinical environment. 

The interventions can be tailored to each patient, making every treatment plan fully personalized as they journey toward healing, keeping track of progress and functionality. 

Kay Hill, director of Acute Care and IRF Rehabilitation Services, is excited for the additional tool in the therapists’ toolkits as a more engaging and effective way to help patients who may otherwise be hesitant to participate in therapy. 

“With NeuroRehab VR’s program, we will get a true picture of what a patient can do and how we’ll be able to guide them through future therapy,” Hill said. 

Four virtual reality programs are now up and running through Spartanburg Regional:  

• Spartanburg Medical Center- Church Street acute care 
• Spartanburg Medical Center- Mary Black acute care and IRF 
• Spartanburg Regional Outpatient Rehabilitation- Mary Black Campus 
• Spartanburg Regional Outpatient Rehabilitation- Pediatrics 

Spartanburg Regional has been able to provide feedback to NeuroRehab VR as it has released updates to its software over time. 

Veena Somareddy, the CEO of Neuro Rehab VR, said working alongside providers such as those with Spartanburg Regional’s acute care team has enhanced their products and services by hearing real-time feedback from clinicians. 

"The feedback from Spartanburg Regional has helped to make our product better,” Somareddy said. Ultimately, it has ensured that our patients are getting the best experience out of it.”  

To learn more about other ways Spartanburg Regional is leading the way in clinical innovations, visit SpartanburgRegional.com/Innovations.