Revolutionizing Pediatric Healthcare with Virtual Reality
The UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals have been on the forefront of reimagining the pediatric healthcare experience, leveraging virtual reality (VR) technology to make a big impact on young patients’ lives. By utilizing VR, the hospital goals to scale back anxiety levels in patients and their families prior to brain surgery, while also enhancing the surgical planning process.
Enhancing Surgical Planning with VR
Kurtis Auguste, MD, chief of the department of surgery at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, has been using VR technology to supply patients and their families with 3D "fly-through" tours of the brain, including detailed views of tumors and surrounding nerves and blood vessels. This technology enables Auguste to plan surgeries with exponentially more detail than traditional MRI or CT scans, allowing for a more accurate and informed approach.
A Game-Changer in Neurosurgery
Auguste describes the VR technology as an "actual immersive experience" that has revolutionized his approach to neurosurgery. By wearing a headset and "standing inside" a 360-degree VR model of the patient’s brain, Auguste can discover critical features that might not be visible on standard 2D imaging. In one recent case, the technology revealed an artery buried deep inside a 10-year-old patient’s tumor, which was not visible on traditional imaging. This critical information allowed Auguste and his team to guard the vessel during surgery, leading to the successful removal of the tumor and preservation of the patient’s neurological function.
Empowering Patients and Families
The use of VR technology has also had a profound impact on patients and their families. By providing an in depth and immersive understanding of the surgical plan, patients and their families are higher equipped to navigate the surgical process with confidence. One patient’s mother noted that the VR tour helped to alleviate anxiety and empowered her family to make informed decisions about her daughter’s care.
Shared VR Experiences
The hospital has also introduced shared VR experiences, where patients, families, and healthcare teams can explore the anatomy together. Auguste believes that this approach has been a game-changer in his practice, allowing for a more comprehensive and collaborative approach to care. As the primary hospital within the country to routinely perform shared VR experiences, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland is setting a brand new standard for patient-centered care.
Expanding Access to VR Technology
Donors resembling Eric Rudney are supporting the expansion of VR technology at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. Rudney believes that this cutting-edge technology has the potential to deeply enhance the lives of kids and the work of healthcare professionals. With the support of donors and the hospital’s commitment to innovation, the chances for VR technology in pediatric healthcare are vast and exciting.
About UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals in Oakland and San Francisco are among the many nation’s finest pediatric medical centers, in accordance with U.S. News & World Report’s annual rankings. The hospitals are known worldwide for his or her expertise in basic and clinical research, and are on the forefront of translating research into interventions for treating and stopping pediatric disease.
Conclusion
The use of virtual reality technology at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals is revolutionizing the pediatric healthcare experience, enhancing surgical planning, and empowering patients and families. As the hospital continues to expand its use of VR technology, the chances for improving patient outcomes and advancing the sector of pediatric healthcare are vast and exciting. With its commitment to innovation and patient-centered care, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland is setting a brand new standard for pediatric healthcare, one which prioritizes the needs and well-being of its young patients and their families.
