Introduction to AR and VR in Healthcare
Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have been widely adopted within the entertainment industry, however the healthcare industry has also began to explore and utilize these technologies. Understanding the applications, advantages, and potential risks of AR/VR helps healthcare providers assess their appropriate use for patients.
Defining AR and VR
Virtual reality is a completely virtual experience that immerses the user in digitally simulated surroundings, often using a headset. According to the FDA, virtual reality is defined as "a set of technologies that may be applied in various ways to diagnose and treat different clinical conditions." On the opposite hand, augmented reality is an actual experience that adds simulated digital imagery via a camera or display.
Applications of AR/VR
The applications of AR/VR in healthcare are quite a few and proceed to grow. Ongoing research explores multiple ways to include this technology to boost patient experiences, widen treatment access, and alleviate burdens on the healthcare system.
Mental Health
AR/VR is widely utilized in mental health practices to conduct exposure therapy, particularly for veterans with PTSD. Exposure therapy involves introducing triggering or anxiety-inducing objects to patients in a secure environment. VR provides a singular opportunity to present nearly any situation in a therapist’s office or other secure setting, with fewer limitations than traditional exposure therapy.
Neurological Disorders
The FDA notes that AR/VR can treat neurological disorders by providing rehabilitation assistance, particularly for stroke rehabilitation. AR/VR will help patients overcome limitations related to facility or therapist availability. Additionally, AR/VR may be used to evaluate cognitive functions as a diagnostic method, evaluating cognitive impairment, memory, and eye movement.
Pain Management
VR is being explored as a type of pain management to treat chronic pain effectively. Chronic pain management poses a big challenge for a lot of healthcare providers. Rather than using opioids, which may be addictive, providers may go for VR to distract and calm down patients, minimizing pain or pain perception. VR for pain management has been explored for various conditions, including fibromyalgia, phantom limb syndrome, and surgical procedures.
Pediatric Healthcare
Pediatric healthcare is a singular space for VR/AR applications. According to the FDA, AR/VR has been used to oversee pain and anxiety in pediatric patients, enhance upper extremity function in children with cerebral palsy, and treat amblyopia. VR has also been used for mental healthcare in pediatric cancer patients and ADHD diagnosis and treatment.
Surgery
AR/VR can be being integrated into surgical settings, providing surgical staff with higher visualization and preparedness for procedures. The FDA states that these capabilities may enable surgeons to more precisely discover structures, find alternative approaches, and streamline workflow, leading to shortened procedure times, improved outcomes, and decreased complications.
Benefits and Risks
The impacts and advantages of AR/VR are usually not yet fully understood, as they’re relatively latest approaches. One perceived profit is the flexibility to widen access to healthcare, particularly for populations unable to relocate for treatment. AR/VR can provide additional comfort to patients by allowing them to take part in therapies from the comfort of their very own homes.
However, the FDA also notes several concerns, including cybersickness, which is related to dizziness, headaches, fatigue, and nausea. Additionally, AR/VR use can impede an individual’s ability to see their surroundings, causing injury, and habitual use can result in neglect of exercise, social engagement, and routine tasks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, AR/VR has the potential to revolutionize the healthcare industry by providing latest and progressive ways to diagnose and treat various clinical conditions. While there are advantages to using AR/VR, there are also risks and concerns that should be addressed. As research continues to explore the applications and limitations of AR/VR, healthcare providers must fastidiously consider the potential advantages and risks when assessing their use for patients. By doing so, we will harness the facility of AR/VR to enhance patient outcomes and transform the healthcare industry.
