Klinik Sonnenblick in Marburg, an institution of the German Pension Insurance Hessen, has already embarked on its path to the future. By implementing CUREO, an innovative virtual reality technology, the clinic is embracing a new form of rehabilitation that opens up new perspectives for both patients and staff. The clinic cares for around 190 inpatients and 20 to 30 outpatients and specializes in the treatment of tumor diseases, orthopedic conditions, and post-COVID rehabilitation.
The central mission of the clinic is not only to provide medical care but also to support patients on their way back into the workforce—a challenge that CUREO’s innovative approaches perfectly complement.
Prof. Dr. Ulf Seifart, Medical Director of Klinik Sonnenblick, has been working at the clinic for around 20 years. As an internist, hemato-oncologist, and social medicine specialist, he brings extensive expertise in medical rehabilitation. Under his leadership, the clinic has implemented numerous innovative therapies approaches that significantly enhance the healing process for patients. For him, the use of CUREO is a crucial step toward the future of medical treatment.
As he aptly puts it: “This path is the way to the future.” But what exactly does this mean for patients and the clinic? How does CUREO help accelerate the healing process and support the return to working life? In the following video, Prof. Dr. Seifart explains why CUREO represents a decisive step toward modern, future-oriented therapy for Klinik Sonnenblick:
Prof. Dr. Ulf Seifart is convinced of CUREO and sees it as a clear asset for the clinic – a key to forward-looking therapy. In a clinic that treats patients from a wide variety of professions, the return to working life plays a central role. CUREO allows professional tasks and challenges to be realistically simulated, helping patients not only to regain their physical abilities but also to strengthen their mental resilience.
He sees great potential in the use of VR technology to train patients in realistic work environments and prepare them for the specific demands of their jobs. Even patients who are returning to work after a long illness can rebuild their skills step by step – in a safe and controlled virtual environment.
But it’s not only the patients who benefit from CUREO. Prof. Dr. Seifart also points out that CUREO brings an added appeal for employees. Especially for the younger generation of professionals, the use of modern technologies like VR headsets is becoming a key factor when choosing an employer. This spirit of innovation not only attracts patients but also makes the clinic appealing to job applicants looking for a modern and future-ready working environment.
Another advantage Prof. Dr. Seifart sees in CUREO is the ability to make group therapies both efficient and personalized. In times of staff shortages and the need to use resources efficiently, it's often difficult to provide 1:1 care for each patient. CUREO offers an innovative solution: through the use of VR technology, group therapy sessions can be conducted without neglecting the individual needs of each patient.
In a group setting, patients don’t feel isolated – they can motivate one another and benefit from shared experiences, while still receiving a therapy experience tailored to their personal needs through the VR application.
This balance between group dynamics and individuality not only leads to better results but also to increased patient motivation, as they don’t feel alone on their healing journey.
The feedback from staff who have already worked with CUREO confirms the positive impact on the therapy process. They report more efficient and targeted treatment, which benefits not only the patients but also makes the therapists’ daily work easier. Patients especially appreciate the playful elements of CUREO, which turn rehabilitation into an engaging and motivating experience. This leads to faster progress and greater acceptance of the therapy.
The information presented in this article is based on current scientific research and practical experience using the CUREO system as part of physician-prescribed rehabilitation measures. Individual therapy outcomes and effectiveness cannot be guaranteed. This article does not replace personal consultation with qualified medical or therapeutic professionals.