DIVERSIONARY THERAPY TECHNOLOGIES’ Ditto device is being used for paediatric patients at the burns unit at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London.
The device uses diversionary therapy to reduce anxiety in children prior to and during otherwise painful, traumatic procedures. Appearing much like a traditional gaming console, Ditto includes a variety of interactive games, stories and procedural preparation tools. The handheld, waterproof device is portable and easy-to-operate for children of all ages, which is especially useful because many patients in the hospital’s burn unit undergo procedures that involve getting wet. The device is proven to reduce stress and anxiety, lower treatment times, and improve patient outcomes. Ditto was developed with doctors, surgeons, nurses, play specialists and animation experts over the course of six years. Eight independent randomised clinical trials have proven its efficacy.
