Virtual reality is used in many areas of healthcare, in a variety of applications, including training for doctors and medical students, patient treatment, medical marketing, and enhances patients’ awareness
Virtual Reality (VR) has revolutionized the healthcare industry, bringing joy to both patients and healthcare professionals. According to Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research, healthcare ranks among the top three industries that will continue to embrace VR technology until 2025. By leveraging computer modeling and simulation, VR creates immersive three-dimensional (3-D) environments that allow users to interact with artificial sensory experiences. From training doctors and medical students to patient treatment, medical marketing, and disease awareness, virtual reality finds applications across various healthcare domains.
In a groundbreaking moment, Dr. Shafi Ahmed, a renowned British doctor, pioneer, and advocate of augmented and virtual reality, performed the world's first surgery broadcasted worldwide via virtual reality in April 2016. This extraordinary technological advancement has since become an invaluable training tool for aspiring surgeons and other medical professionals.
Recent studies published by Harvard Business Review have revealed a remarkable 230% improvement in the overall performance of VR-trained surgeons compared to traditionally-trained counterparts. This not only has a positive impact on healthcare professionals but also greatly benefits patients who may experience anxiety during hospital stays.
In a pioneering initiative at St George's Hospital in London, virtual reality headsets are being utilized to transform the experience of patients undergoing wide-awake surgeries. This pilot study, the first of its kind in Britain, allows patients the option of wearing a VR headset both before entering the anesthetic room and during the procedure in the operating theater. The immersive VR experience transports patients to serene landscapes, creating a calming and relaxed atmosphere during the surgical procedure.
Feedback from participants in the pilot study has been overwhelmingly positive. Patients reported significant improvements in their overall hospital experience, with 100% indicating that wearing the VR headset enhanced their journey. Furthermore, 94% of patients reported feeling more relaxed, 80% experienced a reduction in pain, and 73% felt a decrease in anxiety levels after using the VR headsets. This innovative approach not only aids medical schools and hospitals in educating students and new doctors on effective patient care, but it also empowers patients to better understand and relax during medical procedures.
Virtual reality has emerged as a transformative force in healthcare, revolutionizing training, patient experiences, and treatment outcomes. By seamlessly blending technology with medicine, VR is paving the way for a more immersive, empathetic, and efficient healthcare landscape.