Virtual Reality in Medicine:
Uses and Benefits
Virtual Reality (VR) is an increasingly used technology in medicine. VR allows doctors and patients from around the world a safe way to practice and train before complex and costly procedures. In Virtual Reality in Medicine, doctors can assess and plan procedures to maximize accuracy and reduce patient recovery time.
Furthermore, VR is being used to treat diseases such as Alzheimer’s, reduce phobias and psychological disorders, and improve cognitive skills in those with autism. In this article, we will explore the various applications of VR in medicine, as well as the benefits it offers to both patients and healthcare professionals.
Benefits of Virtual Reality in Medicine
Benefits of Virtual Reality in Disease Treatment
Virtual reality is being used in medicine to treat various diseases, both physical and psychological. Some of the prominent benefits include:
Enhanced Safety Assurance
Cost Savings on Expensive Materials Acquisition
Reduction in Errors in Final Surgery
Tailored Context with No Unexpected Stimuli
Reduction of Phobias and Psychological Disorders
Virtual reality is successfully used to desensitize patients to certain phobias, such as fear of heights or confined spaces. It is also being used to treat psychological disorders like obsessive-compulsive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
Improvement of Cognitive Skills in Individuals with Autism
Virtual Reality in Medicine (VR) is being used to improve cognitive skills in individuals with autism. VR allows patients to experience social situations in a controlled environment, helping them develop social and emotional skills.
Treatment of Alzheimer's and Other Neurodegenerative Diseases
Virtual reality has also been used to treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. VR allows patients to recreate familiar environments, which helps improve memory and quality of life.
Applications for Combating Childhood Obesity
Virtual Reality in Medicine is being used to promote healthy eating habits and physical activity in children with obesity. VR allows children to experience interactive and stimulating virtual environments that encourage them to try new foods and lead an active lifestyle.
Virtual Reality in Medical Student Training
Virtual reality has become an essential tool for the training of future medical professionals. It enables the simulation of complex medical scenarios, enhancing the preparation of students before they encounter real-life situations. Additionally, VR is used for practicing surgeries and other medical techniques, reducing potential complications during procedures.
Reduced Learning Cycle
Increased Iterations
Possibility to make mistakes without consequences
Cost savings in expensive materials acquisition
Virtual reality tools in medicine to improve the lives of patients and healthcare professionals
Use of mixed reality to provide greater accuracy in surgeries
The use of virtual reality in the training of medical students has proven to be especially useful in preoperative training. VR allows students to practice and repeat surgical procedures without the risks involved in real situations. This reduces the risk of errors during the actual surgery and enhances patient safety.
Simulation of medical procedures
Virtual Reality in medicine is also used to simulate medical procedures such as childbirth or blood extraction. Practice in simulated environments allows students to experiment with different approaches and techniques, improving their ability to interpret and apply the knowledge gained in practice.
Use of virtual reality to help people who suffer from fear of public speaking
Virtual reality is being used as an effective tool to help people suffering from the fear of public speaking. Through scenario simulations, patients can practice in a safe and controlled environment, helping them build confidence and improve their presentation skills. Doctors have found this technique particularly useful for those experiencing anxiety, nervousness, and other disorders that hinder them from speaking in public. Virtual reality also allows patients to practice in environments tailored to their individual needs, making the process more personalized.
Training in Surgical Techniques
Virtual reality is also used in training for advanced surgical techniques. Through VR, students can practice in a simulated environment and follow real-time tutorials, enhancing their ability to understand and apply complex surgical techniques. Furthermore, VR allows students to experiment with different approaches and techniques, helping to increase their versatility in the operating room.
Using virtual reality to create safe virtual spaces to treat phobias, irrational fears or psychological disorders
Virtual reality is also being used to create safe virtual spaces to treat phobias, irrational fears, and other psychological disorders. Through gradual exposure to the stressors that cause the phobia, patients can face their fears without having to risk their safety. Clinicians can gradually adjust the level of exposure and environment, allowing patients to work at their own pace and under conditions that are comfortable for them. The ability of doctors to control the environment and adapt virtual reality to the individual needs of patients has resulted in greater effectiveness in the treatment of psychological disorders.
VIRTUAL REALITY AS A METHOD OF IMPROVING CARE FOR PATIENTS WITH MOBILITY PROBLEMS
Virtual reality is also being used to improve care for patients with mobility issues. Through virtual reality, patients can access new and exciting environments without having to leave home. Chronically ill people can feel isolated and virtual reality gives them the opportunity to socialize and interact with other people, which can improve their quality of life. Additionally, virtual reality allows healthcare professionals to collect data from multiple patients at the same time, allowing for more efficient and personalized care.
