Oxford VR in the MHRA Digital Health Sandbox

Application, scope & purpose

A clinically validated VR-based cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) platform to treat anxiety disorders and phobias. The aim was to demonstrate safety, efficacy and data-protection compliance in real NHS settings.

MV/VW environment

Oculus Rift-based 3D virtual environments simulating social situations (e.g. flying, public speaking) for graded exposure therapy.

Role of sandbox

MHRA’s digital health sandbox granted a temporary waiver from full medical-device certification, allowing iterative trials under regulator supervision.

Results obtained

  • CE marking secured in 2020
  • 75% of patients showed clinical improvement at 6-week follow-up
  • Rapid NHS adoption in 5 trusts by 2022