This just in! Read the latest news featuring the work and members of XRPeds!
ReHashed in Yale Daily News
Friday, December 1, 2023
Yale researchers are trying a new way to fight youth marijuana use and vaping addiction: a virtual reality video game.
XRPeds is a Yale research group, founded in 2020, that uses virtual reality, or VR, to address pediatric health challenges. On Nov. 20 the project team announced that it is developing “ReHashed,” a new VR game that teaches students refusal skills, how to help others quit and the health consequences of marijuana vaping. The game will be implemented in three Connecticut schools in 2024.
Dr. Hieftje at ABCT
Friday, November 17, 2023
Dr. Hieftje discussed ethical considerations related to mental healthcare when providing “therapy” without a therapist with some amazing folks at ABCT 57th Annual Convention in Seattle on Nov 17.
International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies Pre-Conference Workshop
Wednesday, November 1, 2023
Drs. Kimberly Hieftje, Steve Hollon, Skip Rizzo, Iony D. Ezawa, and PhD. Candidate Noah Robinson presented strategies and considerations on using virtual spaces to deliver peer-based support for survivors of trauma at the ISTSS Pre-Conference Workshop.
Dr. Hieftje at Serious Play 2023
Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Dr. Hieftje discussed Debugged, a virtual reality (VR) game funded by the CDC designed to improve infection control behaviors among NICU parents. DeBugged leverages known strategies to enhance retention and efficacy of training through an immersive, hands-on educational experience.
Inaugural Virtual Reality and Pediatrics Healthcare Symposium
Monday, October 9, 2023
XR Pediatrics was thrilled to host the Inaugural Virtual Reality and Pediatrics Healthcare Symposium on September 19 and 20 at the Yale West Campus in West Haven, CT, in partnership with the International Virtual Reality and Healthcare Association. This two-day symposium featured talks and demos from more than 30 leaders in care, technology, research, and policy.
Dr. Hieftje attended the 2023 Games For Change Festival in New York
Monday, July 17, 2023
Dr. Hieftje recently attended the 2023 Games For Change Festival in New York City. This year's festival marked the 20-year anniversary of Games For Change and all of the amazing work they do. Hosted at the United Nations building in New York City, this year's event was filled with innovative and talented creators showcasing how to make a better place through their love of games.
XR Pediatrics New Collaborator!
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
Abigail Crocker, a master's student at Yale School of Nursing, recently joined XR Peds as a student collaborator. Her previous career in journalism and interest in the intersections between medicine, media, and tech make her an insightful addition to the team.
XR Pediatrics Work Featured in New Yale Medicine Video
Saturday, May 20, 2023
XR Peds Co-Director Dr. Asher Marks and Collaborator Amanda Garbatini were recently featured in a new video published by Yale Medicine focusing on their work using VR Support Groups in adolescent cancer populations.
Joshua Rigsby Presented at UCONN’s 7th Annual mHealth Conference
Thursday, May 18, 2023
XR Pediatrics Postgraduate Associate Joshua Rigsby presented at UCONN mHealth's 7th Annual Conference. His video poster focuses on our project, No Time Wasted, an Alcohol Harm Reduction game. Watch it here:
XR Pediatrics attended UCONN mHealth’s 7th Annual Conference
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
XR Pediatrics Postgraduate Associate Joshua Rigsby presented at UCONN mHealth's 7th Annual Conference. His video poster focuses on our project, No Time Wasted, an Alcohol Harm Reduction game.