Introduction to Virtual Reality in Healthcare
Virtual reality (VR) is getting used in revolutionary ways to assist people understand and empathize with others who’re facing various health challenges. One company, Embodied Labs, is on the forefront of this effort, providing VR experiences that simulate conditions resembling Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, hearing and vision loss, social isolation, and aging as an LGBTQ person.
Understanding the Challenges of Aging
These VR experiences are getting used by students on the University of Minnesota, including those in medical and mortuary science programs, to realize insight into the challenges faced by older adults. By moving into the shoes of somebody with a special life experience, students can develop a deeper understanding of the difficulties that include aging.
Gaining Empathy Through Simulation
One simulation, for instance, involves a 74-year-old man named Alfred who has hearing and vision difficulties. Students who take part in this simulation often report feeling frustrated after they are treated like children, which is a standard sentiment expressed by older adults. This experience helps students to grasp the importance of treating older adults with respect and dignity.
Breaking Down Barriers
Janet McGee, from the mortuary science program, notes that students often feel frustrated after they are treated like children. This sentiment is echoed within the simulation with Alfred, highlighting the necessity for healthcare professionals to approach older adults with empathy and understanding. By using VR to simulate real-life scenarios, students can develop the talents they need to supply compassionate care to older adults.
Conclusion
The use of VR in healthcare is a strong tool for constructing empathy and understanding. By simulating the experiences of older adults, students can gain a deeper appreciation for the challenges they face and develop the talents they need to supply compassionate care. As VR technology continues to evolve, it is probably going that we are going to see much more revolutionary applications in the sphere of healthcare, leading to higher outcomes for patients and more empathetic caregivers.
