FAQs
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What is CyberCell?
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CyberCell™ is a 3D interactive simulation that uses VR technology to illustrate what happens to the cells and blood vessels when someone has sickle cell disease (SCD). With the learner in the center of the action, CyberCell™ fosters a deeper understanding of SCD and how disease-modifying medicines work to help, which helps communication between the patient and their care team.
Who should get CyberCell?
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Sickle Cell programs working with adolescent and young adult patients would benefit from having CyberCell available for their patients and care teams.
What equipment do I need?
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Currently, CyberCell runs on a MetaQuest VR headset. You don’t need to own a headset or have a Meta account to get started. We’ll handle it all for you. CyberCell comes packaged on a headset and is remotely managed, so you don’t need to know how to load software or anything. After a quick remote onboarding chat, you’ll be ready to turn it on and learn in a new engaging way.
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Why Virtual Reality?
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We used virtual reality (VR) to create CyberCell because VR takes people out of their everyday environment to experience learning in a brand-new way. We spoke with sickle cell patients before designing CyberCell and learned the old way of teaching health information was just not making an impact. VR helps people make deep, meaningful connections to the material. They don’t just learn it, they live it. Patients have told us that the VR experience motivates them to make changes for their health. But don’t take our word for it. Read what patients say in our publication.
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How can I get CyberCell?
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To get CyberCell for your sickle cell program, reach out to our team. We will walk you through our simple process. We’ll help you determine how many VR headsets your program needs. The headsets ship straight to you and, after a short onboarding by our support team, you’ll be ready to go.
I’m a sickle cell patient, can I get CyberCell at home?
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We are so excited that you want to use CyberCell. The current version of CyberCell was designed to be used within the clinic environment with your care team. Tell your care team that you are interested in using it. You can share this information sheet with them. Also, get on our mailing list to stay updated on CyberCell news. Then, if there are new ways to get involved you’ll know right away.
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After I get CyberCell for my clinic, how do I get it into our workflow?
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Our team has experience blending the use of CyberCell VR into the clinic workflow. We’ll work with you to determine the best process for your team. We have virtual office hours or can set up a virtual meeting to help you plan your process and trouble shoot.
Is there technical support if I have a problem?
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Absolutely. Our team is here to support you and help you succeed. We have virtual office hours or can set up a virtual meeting. Using our VR management software, we can trouble shoot and correct issues remotely and get you back up and running.
I’ve never used VR before, is it hard?
It’s not hard at all. That’s the great thing about CyberCell. Our handy Quick Start guide will get you started. There is a demo module to learn and practice the controls. We are here to help. We have found that most patients jump right in and find the controls and navigation intuitive.
How long does it take to go through the CyberCell program?
Most patients spend about 8-10 minutes using CyberCell before meeting with the care team. All 4 CyberCell modules can be completed in about 15 minutes. Most patients won’t need to do all 4 modules at one time.
Do people get dizzy using the program?
While we have not had any people report feeling dizzy using CyberCell, it's true that when doing immersive VR some people can get a temporary feeling of nausea and unsteadiness called “cybersickness”. It goes away quickly after simply removing the headset. With safety in mind, we designed CyberCell to be enjoyed either standing or sitting. Anyone new to VR or concerned about how they might feel can get the same great experience doing the whole program while seated. Sitting in a swivel chair is a great way to give it a try. Ways to reduce the chance of cybersickness are also explained in our Quick Start Guide.
How do we clean the headsets?
The headsets can be cleaned using standard disinfecting wipes. There is also an option to bundle a Clean Box in your order that uses UV light to sanitize the device between users.
Is privacy a concern using CyberCell?
No protected private patient information goes into the program. While the VR headset connects to the internet, we have had success using a hotspot so the headsets don’t have to access hospital networks.
What is the cost of CyberCell?
CyberCell is available by subscription. Please contact our team here to discuss the subscription option that best fits your needs.