Over the past two years, the applications of virtual reality (VR) in healthcare has witnessed an explosion. At present, the technology is in the nascent stage before patients use it. So far, the medical use of VR has been mainly for education.
In 2017, Royal London Hospital’s virtual surgery project involved the use of virtual reality. This involved surgeons in different geographical locations to perform operations together for experiential training. The use of virtual reality helped physicians understand the actual realities the patients are living with.
Virtual Reality moves closer to Patients
Meanwhile, the possibility of adoption of VR for actual treatment is close to reality. The possibility if VR therapy can help for conditions from visual impairments to autism is under way. In 2019, the healthcare industry considers the technology to be a valuable digital therapeutic tool. Key application areas can be to treat cancer and mental illness. The use and acceptance of VR is likely to reach its tipping point for healthcare in 2019.
Patients use virtual reality to perform task-based within virtual environments. Studies carried out at Cedars-Sinnai and other institutions reveal the advantages of VR therapy. It is said to be effective in reducing pain of hospitalized patients significantly. It is receiving acceptance to be more than a form of distraction. Not only this, VR therapy can serve to be a significant part of healthcare. Also, VR can serve to be a vital element of holistic healthcare approach. It is not about treating an ailment, but recognizing the relationship between chronic illness and lifestyle.
