Unmet Need
Workplace stress and its damaging knock-on effects are becoming increasingly prevalent in the United States. Approximately 40% of workers regard their job as being “very stressful” or “extremely stressful” (see American Institute for Stress). In addition to its adverse effects on mental health, long-term exposure to high levels of stress can result in absenteeism and loss of economic potential. An estimated 1 million workers, reflecting a three-fold increase from 1996 to 2000, are calling in sick every day due to stress. This incurs an estimated cost of $602.00 per worker per year to American companies. To curtail negative stress-related impacts on their employees, companies have turned to using a number of wearable devices and apps that represent a $230 million global market that is expected to grow at a 10.3% CAGR (see BCC Research, HLC256A). There are a number of apps that are based on mindfulness or cognitive-behavioral therapy and dedicated to helping users manage their stress, including Breathe2Relax, Headspace, My Mood Tracker, Pacifica and Calm. However, there is a lack of tools that (1) specifically cater to the needs and concerns of both patients and employees, (2) deliver a personalized stress reduction experience, and (3) operate in a cross-platform environment that utilizes virtual reality and a mobile application. Therefore, there is a need for a cross-platform, personalized program that addresses workplace and other stress.
Technology Overview
A researcher at Johns Hopkins has developed the CenteredVR stress reduction program that provides video recordings of learning modules and mindfulness tools on an interconnected virtual reality and mobile application. The invention may be used by employers to decrease workplace stress and moderate the associated absenteeism or loss of earnings potential, with planned expansion of the invention to patient groups and the general population.
Stage of Development
Inventors have created an outline of six learning modules, which have completed development, and have tested the material contained within the app, which is currently under development.
