Irish MedTech firm Beats Medical partners with Vhi on new children’s digital therapy app service

82% of children with Dyspraxia are missing out on crucial treatment and therapies due to long waiting lists and financial constraints

30th July 2018 - Digital therapeutics company Beats Medical has launched a new innovative app for children with Dyspraxia. The company is partnering with Vhi, the country’s largest private health insurer, to provide direct reimbursement for the new innovative therapy technology app for children.

The app which is called ‘Beats Medical Dyspraxia App’ is the first-of-its kind and will bring tech-based exercises and interactive games to children in the home daily. The app will not replace specialist care but will augment existing care. The app uses a game based interface and is focused on a space and galaxy theme in order to appeal to both girls and boys. The game levels can be adapted to suit the age of the child. 

Dyspraxia, or ‘Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD)’ is a common neurological disorder affecting fine and / or gross motor coordination in children and is believed to impact one in ten children. It can affect a child’s speech, fine and gross motor skills including; walking, coordination, balance, dexterity, handwriting and communication and it can persist into adulthood if not treated.

Physiotherapy, speech and occupational therapy have been shown to help promote development of these skills. However, recent research from the Dyspraxia Foundation of Ireland found that 82% of children with Dyspraxia are missing out on crucial treatment and therapies due to long waiting lists and financial constraints.

Commenting on the new app and the partnership with Vhi, Dr Ciara Clancy, Beats Medical CEO and Founder said “We are really excited to launch our new app which addresses an important need for families and children to help children with Dyspraxia in their early years. The app acts as a support for children in a fun and interactive way.”

Maeve O’Gorman, Vhi said “Vhi is delighted to partner with Beats Medical to expand our digital health technologies for our customers. Dyspraxia is a condition with no cure, however it can be supported and controlled with the right help. This app uses gamification techniques to help children practice their fine and gross motor skills in a way that makes their therapeutic homework fun and helps parents by making it easier to keep children motivated. At Vhi, we believe in investing in innovative technology that is powered by the best clinical expertise and customer centred designs. Technology like this can significantly improve condition management for our customers’ lives because it’s more convenient, engaging, and in this case, it may even be a game-changer.”

Harry Conway, CEO, Dyspraxia Ireland commented “Children and young teens with Dyspraxia / DCD enjoy gaming and working out puzzles that challenge their knowledge and quick responses. We view this App as a very good tool which will help children and young teens improve both their fine and gross motor skills while having fun."

This is the second app developed by Beats Medical. The company was founded in Dublin in 2012 by Dr Ciara Clancy who was named Ireland's Best Young Entrepreneur in 2017. The company is well known for its award winning Parkinson’s Treatment app which is used in more than 44 countries worldwide.  The development of this app which focuses on dyspraxia marks the company’s next stage in expanding its treatment range to impact other neurological and developmental conditions

The app provides interactive games and fun exercises to promote a child’s development through smartphone and tablet. The app costs €330 per annum which includes customer phone support. It is available to all Vhi customers at a discounted rate of €50 per annum.  Search for ‘Beats Medical Dyspraxia’ in the Apple Store to download.

ENDS