Patients with severe burns often spend weeks or even months in hospital, much of that time confined to their room or bed, often because of the seriousness of their injuries or the high risk of infection. This initiative will introduce portable projection technology to help patients stay connected, engaged and emotionally supported throughout their recovery. 

The project will give patients access to personalised visual content - including calming nature scenes, relaxation programs and familiar entertainment - at their bedside and during painful procedures such as dressing changes. By bringing moments of comfort, distraction and connection into the hospital environment, the initiative aims to improve the experience of patients facing some of the longest and most challenging hospital stays. 

Recovering from a serious burn injury is physically demanding, but the emotional impact can be just as significant. Many patients are admitted to Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) from regional Queensland, northern New South Wales and the surrounding Pacific region, often without personal belongings or easy access to family and friends. For those requiring prolonged bed rest or isolation, days and weeks can pass with little connection to the outside world. 

While specialist burns care focuses on healing the body, patients also need support to maintain their emotional wellbeing during recovery. Long periods of isolation can increase anxiety, loneliness and distress, making an already difficult experience even harder. 

This initiative will introduce portable projectors that allow patients to watch personalised content wherever they are receiving care, including at the bedside and during dressing changes or other painful procedures. The devices can be safely cleaned between patients, making them suitable for high-acuity and isolation environments. 

Researchers will evaluate whether access to visual engagement improves mood, reduces anxiety, helps patients cope with painful treatments and enhances their overall hospital experience. The project will also explore how the technology supports staff in delivering more personalised, holistic care.

Initially focused on patients with the most severe burns, the initiative has the potential to benefit many other patients across RBWH who experience prolonged hospital stays, restricted mobility or isolation. By addressing the emotional as well as physical challenges of recovery, the project aims to create a more compassionate hospital experience when patients need it most.