Experience my reality – ViroteaED

“It was like stepping into another person’s head. You suddenly understand why certain things cause concern or confusion”
– Assistant nurse, pilot group Karlstad municipality

Background

Carers encounter service users with cognitive difficulties on a daily basis, but truly understanding their reality is a greater challenge. Karlstad Municipality had long sought methods to strengthen staff’s empathic understanding of people with dementia, memory disorders, or impaired impulse control. Traditional training programmes were not sufficient, and the need grew as the number of people with cognitive impairment increased.

A key question emerged: what happens if staff experience service users’ daily lives, rather than just reading about them?

Challenge

How can digital technology be used to create a tangible experience of what it feels like to live with cognitive impairment — to improve care and quality of care?

The need was clear, but the solution was unknown. No ready-made product on the market met the requirements. Karlstad Municipality therefore chose to conduct a procurement using the Demand Acceleration model.

Process

1. Needs formulation and mobilisation
A workshop was conducted in spring 2021 where a cross-functional project group — including user representatives — identified the need. The cognition team formulated a scenario that visualised the everyday life of a person with cognitive impairment.

2. Market analysis through RFI
A film was produced to bring the challenge to life. The film was linked to a Request for Information (RFI), published in June 2021. Companies that responded were compensated — a way to encourage qualitative and substantive responses.

“We didn’t just want to ask the market a question. We wanted to invite understanding, engagement and co-creation.”
– Ann-Sophie Gustafsson, Process Manager, Karlstad Municipality

3. Three-phase Demand Acceleration procurement
Following the market analysis, the municipality proceeded to procure development work in three phases, using the Demand Acceleration model.

4. Implementation and further development
Virotea AB became the municipality’s long-term development partner. Their solution, based on VR technology and interactive experience design, was developed together with staff, experts, and user representatives, and was implemented in 2023.

Result: ViroteaED

ViroteaED is a digital tool that allows carers to experience what it is like to live with cognitive impairment. The tool is used in educational settings and is designed for both new and experienced staff.

Participants report increased understanding, greater confidence in interacting with service users, and improved communication. ViroteaED is currently used in more than 60 municipalities, as well as by training companies and private care providers.

“It was like stepping into another person’s head. You suddenly understand why certain things cause anxiety or confusion.”
– Assistant nurse, pilot group Karlstad municipality