During a long hospital stay, technology has already solved part of the distance problem: a video call lets you see and hear someone far away. But something is still missing: the shared experience. Talking is different from doing something together.
Virtual reality for clinical use opens a new possibility: the family doesn't just look at the patient's face, but shares the same immersive environment, in real time.
How the shared experience works
The model is simple and rests on two complementary sides:
- On the patient's side: they wear the virtual reality device and, through the camera, see the family they are talking to.
- On the family's side: from an ordinary browser, they see in real time what the patient is experiencing in the immersive environment.
The result is not a call where each person describes what they see. It is a common experience: both look at the same place and can comment on it, reminisce, and talk from it.
The difference between "I'm looking at the sea" and "we're looking at the sea together" is exactly the difference this feature aims to create.
Why this matters clinically
Social isolation is not only an emotional issue. It is associated with greater anxiety, poorer adherence, and a harder care experience. Maintaining the family bond has real value for patient well-being.
- Reduces the feeling of isolation during long stays or clinical isolation.
- Gives the family an active role, instead of the passive role of simply waiting for news.
- Creates positive shared moments that help balance the hospital experience.
Simple for the family, simple for the team
For a tool to be used, it has to be easy. The family joins from a phone, tablet, or computer, with nothing to install. The clinical team starts the session without complex technical steps.
Important note: this feature is a complement to care and human contact, not a substitute for in-person visits or clinical follow-up. It is always used under the supervision of healthcare professionals and integrated into the care plan.
The role of RVer
RVer is a virtual reality system designed for healthcare environments and registered as a Class I Medical Device (base product) in EUDAMED and with INFARMED (Portugal), bearing the CE mark under MDR 2017/745. The family video call feature is built to be simple on both sides, with no collection of patient clinical data.
The goal is clear: use technology to bring people closer, making the care experience more human even when distance imposes limits.
Frequently asked questions
How does the family video call work in RVer?
The patient wears the virtual reality device while the family joins a video call. The patient sees the family through the device's camera, and the family sees, in real time, the immersive environment the patient is experiencing, so they can talk about it together.
Does the family need special equipment?
No. The family joins from a browser on a phone, tablet, or computer. There is no app to install and no virtual reality device needed on the family's side.
Does this replace in-person visits?
No. It is a complement that helps maintain the family bond when in-person visits are not possible or are limited: due to distance, clinical isolation, or restricted hours.