Is it possible to experience the life of real patients? Get immersed!

A Life in a Day is thrilled to introduce three new immersive experiences focused on Atrial Fibrillation, Gastric Cancer, and Alopecia Areata. Over the last few months, our creative team has worked extensively with our patient community to bring their stories to life through these three new experiences.

Whereas many may have in-depth knowledge about the conditions they work with on a daily basis, few get the chance to immerse themselves into the patient experience and truly understand how living with these conditions affects patients’ lives physically, emotionally, and socially.

With these three new immersive experiences, we hope to give participants a unique insight into how these conditions would impact patient lives daily. Can we feel what a real patient may experience and how they live? By taking our patients’ stories and translating them into these simulations, we can get a better understanding of their lives and make changes within the life sciences and healthcare industries to support them.

Alopecia Areata

Can you imagine having Alopecia Areata? No one is ready to suddenly lose part or even all of their hair, making the psychological impact of this condition extremely challenging.  

“Even in the very beginning of developing the Alopecia Areata experience, it quickly became very evident that the biggest impact of the condition – that would be absolutely essential to communicate – was actually invisible. The key was not to make people simply be seen with hair loss, but to make them FEEL what it’s like when their hair loss is the only thing that is seen.” said Creative Director Paul Gascoigne.

Paul added that the emotional strain, loss of identity, and the long-term debilitating effects of deteriorating self-esteem and self-confidence was the main focus for this experience. 

What is Alopecia Areata?

• Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss on the scalp and other areas of the body. It is believed to be caused by an abnormality in the immune system, which causes the body to attack its own hair follicles.
• Symptoms of this disorder include unpredictable hair loss. There is no guarantee that hair will grow back.
• Most hair loss occurs on the head and face, but it can also affect other parts of the body.

Find out more about the Alopecia Areata experience by getting in touch.

Atrial Fibrillation

“You always hear about the anxiety and stress that come together with any chronic illness, but I’ve never seen such a vicious cycle as I have with patients with Atrial Fibrillation. From the stress and frustration caused by trying to get a diagnosis in the first place, to the knowledge that another event is always waiting just around the corner – knowing that your stress and worry can even trigger your symptoms. Not to mention the fear of what could happen in the future, whether it be a stroke, heart failure or endless procedures.” said Creative Lead Chiara Keating.

Chiara added that the patients she has met and spoken to have to live with these concerns everyday. However, they still need to get their children up for school, deal with daily work challenges and juggle their priorities alongside living with Atrial Fibrillation.

“It’s truly inspiring to be able to create a programme that gives an insight into what it’s like for them to be followed by this ever-lingering ghost of Atrial Fibrillation that haunts them daily”.

What is Atrial Fibrillation?

• Atrial Fibrillation symptoms include a fluttering or racing heartbeat, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, and fatigue.
• It is important to seek medical attention if these symptoms are experienced.
• Treatment for Atrial Fibrillation typically involves medication, lifestyle changes, and sometimes surgery.

Contact us if you want to experience what it’s like to be a patient with Atrial Fibrillation.

Gastric Cancer

Creative Lead of the project at A Life in a Day Beverley Bryant said that she had interviewed many incredible patients and their loved ones. 

I have been truly humbled by the stories shared with me by the Gastric Cancer community. Their determination and unwavering hope of beating this deadly disease is inspiring me to create an immensely impactful experience that will improve understanding of what it’s like to live with Gastric Cancer and build empathy for them.” – said Beverley.

What is Gastric Cancer?

• Cancer of the stomach is one of the most common oncological diseases. There is a high risk of metastasis, and this disease can develop anywhere in the stomach.
• Symptoms of Gastric Cancer include pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Early diagnosis and treatment can help increase the chances of successful outcomes. Treatment can involve surgery, chemotherapy, and/or radiation.
• Patients with Gastric Cancer may also experience fatigue, loss of appetite, and blood in their stool. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as any of these symptoms are noticed. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve the prognosis for Gastric Cancer.

Would you like to get a glimpse into a patient’s life? Learn more about these three new patient experiences and see what life is like for patients.