Whether it‘s living with chronic disease or facing rigorous professional conditions, we use immersive digital technology to harness both the power of peer mentorship and the scientifically-backed social phenomenon known as the Proteus Effect, where avatar-driven behavior primes real life change.
As experts in engagement, we understand that tapping curiosity and the need for new and positive experiences, social connection, and social acceptance, is the setting for breaking barriers that result in heightened confidence and desire for change.
Backed by 10+ years of research by SYH founder and CEO Dr. Suzanne Mitchell and colleagues at Boston University, where data from 2 NIH-funded research studies (2009 to 2019) demonstrate the effectiveness of the virtual technology and immersive programming of SYH, including:
20% REDUCTION IN TOTAL COST OF HEALTH CARE
70% PROGRAM RETENTION RATE
40% INCREASED EXERCISE
0.4% A1C REDUCTION FOR DIABETES PATIENTS IN 8 WEEKS
We utilize a 3-D, social gaming environment for facilitator-led, simulation-based learning where:
avatars promote idealism of self
live voice encourages authentic human connection
optional anonymity allows vulnerability and intimacy, important for both chronic disease patients and those in high-stakes professions like physicians and police
Why see yourself health
More than 50% off US Physicians report Feeling burnout
High rates of stress in healthcare and industry leading to negative health behaviors and costs $4.6B annually.
Poor coping strategies to deal with stress and burnout lead to chronic illness.
2/3 of physicians report no access to workplace program for stress and burnout management
Over 30% of patients feel overwhelmed and burnout by the demands of diabetes care.
2/3 of diabetes patients don’t know how to manage their core. Only 7% get the diabetes education they’re prescribed
Diabetes burnout accounts for over $24B wasted in avoidable healthcare spending annually.
THE EVIDENCE
Virtual World vs. Face-to-Face Diabetes Self-Management
Rosal MC, Heyden R, Mejilla R, Rizzo Depaoli M, Veerappa C, Wiecha JM. Design and Methods for a Comparative Effectiveness Pilot Study: Virtual World vs. Face-to-Face Diabetes Self-Management. JMIR Res Protoc. 2012;1(2):e24. Published 2012 Dec 17. doi:10.2196/resprot.2415
Diabetes Self-Management Education in a Virtual World
Mitchell SE, Mako M, Sadikova E, et al. The comparative experiences of women in control: diabetes self-management education in a virtual world. J Diabetes Sci Technol. 2014;8(6):1185-1192. doi:10.1177/1932296814549829
Medical Group Visits in the Virtual World
Mitchell, S.E., Gardiner, P., Weigel, G., & Rosal, M.C. (2016). Women in Control: Pioneering Diabetes Self-Management Medical Group Visits in the Virtual World. Journal of clinical trials, 6, 1-6.