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Needle anxiety is a highly prevalent problem (68% of children). Injections are among the most common, painful and feared procedure that children will experience (WHO recommends 20-30 immunisations before 18 years of age). These procedures can be highly stressful for caregivers and clinicians. Needle anxiety results in avoidance of necessary medical care leading to poorer individual health outcomes and a greater burden on healthcare systems. Anxiety during childhood immunisations is often poorly managed in routine care. Although simple distraction techniques are commonly used they are limited and variable in their efficacy. Where such methods fail, clinicians often resort to restraint which can be distressing and exacerbate children’s anxiety and lead to the development of needle phobias. There is a strong need for an accessible and preventative solution which provides more positive vaccination experiences.
Calm-Vax is exploring cutting-edge immersive technology solutions for children with needle anxiety to experience when receiving a vaccination. Our technology aims to provide a highly engaging experience which can reduce needle-related anxiety and pain. Developed by clinical psychologists, the Calm-Vax user journey will uniquely incorporate psychological principles to target fear and promote more adaptive coping. The technology aims to support the child to reprocess the previously fearful environment in a more positive way. Calm-Vax will be a brief user-friendly experience that is quick to initiate, fitting well into clinician workflows.
Calm-Vax aims to address the significant problem of needle anxiety by offering a highly distributable, accessible and affordable solution. Calm-Vax has a vision of being able to be utilised anywhere children receive vaccinations.
It is envisaged Calm-Vax will take a multipronged approach targeting various organisations such as pharmacy chains, local council immunisation clinics and GP practices to promote interest and uptake. There is also value in collaborating with local and primary health networks, regional organisations, vaccine manufacturers and more broadly investigating global market opportunities. Looking forward, Calm-Vax sees great promise in the scalability of this product to other clinical settings and client populations with the overarching aim of reducing anxiety associated with health-care procedures.
Calm-Vax is also eager to connect with people impacted by this issue as well as key industry figures who understand the value in tackling this widespread problem.
5 February 2024
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Co-founder
Co-founder
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