In summing up a year that saw a mix of digital news, the article looked at some of the positive advances from trusts including Oxford Health in technology for treatment, training and patient experience.

Earlier last year their online magazine focused on virtual reality (VR) as a healthcare tool, featuring the pioneering work of Dr Daniel Freeman, honorary consultant clinical psychologist for Oxford Health and research professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford. Dr Freeman demonstrated the VR technology and techniques enabling healthcare professionals to treat severe paranoia, by allowing patients to face situations they may currently fear and to use that experience to learn that they are actually safe. With the assistance of some 30 of the trust’s patients, Dr Freeman was able to conduct trials of VR as both a cognitive and exposure therapy, with gains found in both applications.

The trust also came to the title’s attention in March last year having been named one of seven NHS mental health Global Digital Exemplars. It recognises Oxford Health’s national lead developing and delivering exceptional care for patients through the use of world-class digital technology.