Exploring the Top 5 Virtual Reality Use Cases in Healthcare
Virtual reality (VR) is becoming increasingly popular in the healthcare industry due to its potential to enhance patient outcomes, reduce costs, and improve medical training. With the emergence of new VR applications, healthcare professionals can now leverage the technology to benefit a variety of medical specialties. In this blog article, we will explore the top 5 virtual reality use cases in healthcare.
1. Pain Management
Virtual reality has been found to be an effective non-pharmacological method for managing pain. The technology creates a distraction for the patient which helps to reduce the perception of pain. For example, patients can wear a VR headset during a wound dressing change, which can make the process less painful by reducing anxiety and stress levels.
One study by the Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, looked at the use of VR in managing pain for children undergoing chemotherapy. The study found that children who wore VR headsets during their sessions reported significantly lower levels of pain compared to those who received standard care.
2. Surgical Training
VR can provide medical students and surgeons with a realistic experience in a simulated environment, allowing them to practice and refine their skills before operating on actual patients. For example, a surgical trainee can use VR to practice a complex procedure without compromising the safety of the patient.
Osso VR is a virtual reality training platform that provides surgeons with hands-on experience in performing various medical procedures. By using VR, surgeons can train for a specific surgery and gain confidence in their skills before performing the actual procedure.
3. Mental Health Therapy
Virtual reality therapy has been shown to be effective for treating various mental health disorders such as anxiety, phobia, PTSD, and depression. The idea is to provide patients with a simulated environment that enables them to confront their fears or past traumas in a controlled, safe, and supportive setting.
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy (VRET) has been particularly effective in treating PTSD in military veterans. By using VR technology to simulate combat environments, veterans with PTSD can work through their traumatic experiences by gradually confronting their triggers in a safe and controlled space.
4. Medical Training
Medical training is continuously evolving, and VR is helping to transform the way medical professionals are trained. VR provides doctors and nurses with realistic scenarios that can facilitate the development of essential medical skills such as communication, teamwork, and decision-making.
In one study by doctors at the University of California, they piloted a VR training course to teach medical residents how to manage clinical emergencies such as cardiac arrest. The study found that using VR improved their confidence, performance, and decision-making skills when dealing with emergencies.
5. Rehabilitation
VR technology is also being utilized for rehabilitation purposes. Patients can use VR to engage in immersive exercises that help them regain mobility, coordination, and balance. For example, patients with a spinal cord injury can use VR to stimulate their neurons and improve their chances of regaining movement.
One study by the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems found that patients who used VR during their rehabilitation program experienced better outcomes than those who didn’t. The study concluded that VR could provide a fun and engaging experience for patients during their rehabilitation journey.
Conclusion
Virtual reality has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry by offering a range of benefits, including improved patient outcomes, reduced costs, and better medical training. While it’s still in its early stages, it’s clear that VR technology will continue to play a significant role in healthcare in the future. By exploring its potential and investing in its development, healthcare professionals can unlock a host of new opportunities to better care for their patients.
