Mixed reality headsets to help drive blood donations
Users will be able to play relaxing, immersive games designed to distract them and reduce anxiety.
It is also hoped the scheme will encourage more young people to consider blood donation.
The experience is called mixed reality rather than virtual reality because the user can still see their surroundings while they play.
The lightweight headsets have a translucent visor, so the eyes of donors are always visible to clinical staff, ensuring constant monitoring.
The games are controlled through head-tracking technology, so users do not need to move their arms.
There are two games to choose from; a zen garden that allows users to plant seeds while listening to relaxing music, and 'Intergalactica' in which donors build a team of robots to explore planets and solve puzzles.
Health technology company Abbot is behind the project which has already been rolled out in a number of countries.
A study with two blood centres in the US found that the use of mixed reality decreased anxiety in 68% of donors and 89% of donors reported they were very or extremely likely to donate again.
"These headsets balance complex computing with a simple insight – many people fear donating blood and mixed reality technology makes it easier to donate blood by giving the donors something else to focus on," said Abbot's Transfusion Medicine Global Marketing Director Joana Araujo.
"We hope that the improved experience leads to more people wanting to donate blood in Ireland," Ms Araujo said.
Conor Cody has been a regular donor for three years and tried the new technology at a blood donation clinic in Dublin.
"It was very relaxing and I was completely engrossed in the game, I really enjoyed it," Mr Cody said.
"If you have any slight fear of what's going on, it takes your mind off it completely."
"I'm used to it now so it doesn't bother me, but the time just flew, and I really enjoyed the game," he added.
The pilot initiative will run between May and June in a number of Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) donation centres in Dublin and Cork.
The IBTS will then gather feedback from donors before deciding if it will adopt the scheme on a more long-term basis.
"This innovative technology introduces a gaming-like experience which evidence and feedback suggests makes blood, platelet and plasma donation less intimidating and more fun for the donor," said ICTS Director of Donor Services and Logistics Paul McKinney.
"We also hope it will encourage many people, of all ages, who want to donate but have been nervous about doing so in the past."
"Blood supplies are very low right now, the summer demand has been huge and hospitals have been very busy," Mr McKinney said.
"The good weather is not working in our favour and our attendances are not as high as we would like," he added.
The IBTS is calling for donors from all ethnic backgrounds to help meet patient demand.
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