Virtual reality (VR) has been sweeping through industries such as retail, education, and real estate, making its presence felt even in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Now, this virtual revolution has made its way to the healthcare industry. VR is changing what’s possible within the healthcare sector and how it can solve current constraints in clinics and hospitals in the UAE.
VR is not only changing how we live our daily lives but also how existing healthcare systems operate. Medical VR training, in particular, is fast becoming one of the most exciting advancements in medical training, let alone healthcare.
While healthcare goes through continuous reinvention, it has not experienced a technical innovation disruption quite like VR.
Here is a look at how virtual reality will play a pivotal role in patient care for years to come.
1. Medical training
One of the main areas that VR will be most utilised is in medical training. Virtual reality training simulations allow both medical professionals and students to fine tune their skills in a controlled virtual environment that mimics real-life situations.
Being able to perform a surgery in a virtual environment helps medical students and young doctors gain experience. It also provides opportunities for surgeons to better prepare for delicate or complicated procedures.
Both experiences allow medical professionals to expand, practice, and test their diagnostic and surgical skills, increasing operational precision and confidence. All without ever putting a single patient at risk.
2. Telemedicine
Physical constraints have always been an issue that has plagued the healthcare industry. In rural areas where there are too few medical professionals, this issue becomes exacerbated because patient numbers far exceed the number of available qualified medical personnel.
When patients’ needs are not met, costs to healthcare increase.
VR technology is addressing this limitation by bringing healthcare to the patient’s doorstep. By using VR, patients can virtually visit staffed locations and access world-class healthcare right in their living room or their office.
An online doctor or specialist can then have a consultation session with the patient. This ensures reduced wait times in hospitals and clinics, and provides patients in rural communities improved access to healthcare.
3. Patient education
When patients are better engaged, they are empowered to take ownership of their care. Patients who are able to make informed decisions are more proactive with managing their health. Patient education programs are crucial to increasing improvements in patient care.
VR can be used to facilitate more engaged and more informed patients. Medical professionals can use VR to show patients their diagnoses in a more comprehensive manner. Through VR, patients gain a higher level of understanding regarding their condition or treatment plan.
Having access to hyper-realistic visual information allows for a more personal approach to patient care.
4. Patient rehabilitation
Patient involvement plays an important role during post-surgery rehabilitation. Greater patient involvement contributes to an enhanced recovery experience. This is particularly impactful for patients who have suffered a stroke or any type of severe or traumatic injury, as in the case of burn victims requiring surgical cosmetic treatments and post-surgery care.
VR adds another dimension to patient rehabilitation. In a recent study, it was found that stroke patients who use VR during rehab experienced greater improvements in mobility than those who underwent conventional rehab.
Patients who have suffered severe burns have reported that VR assistance is an effective pain reliever and pain management tool. This can impact how the patient responds to treatment and how quickly they can return to normal daily functions.
5. Treating behavioural and mental health issues
VR-based therapy is an effective aid in the treatment of complex mental and anxiety disorders as well as behavioural addictions. Patients who experience cognitive behavioural therapy in a virtual setting are able to confront their fears in a controlled and safe environment.
VR is also making it easier for patients with mental disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease to get treatment. Not only can VR be used as a tool to help detect early risk of Alzheimer’s, virtual simulations of places and people can also help trigger old memories.
In similar fashion, VR is used in addiction treatment programs to expose patients to stimuli that might trigger a relapse. Through gradual exposure, patients with the help of a clinician, can better deal with urges.
Because a virtual environment is fully customisable, this form of therapy can be used to address a myriad of behavioural and mental health issues.
Addressing the sceptics
There are sceptics of VR, of course.
As with any other digital revolution, there are retractors who doubt virtual reality’s ability to positively transform patient care. But VR is already making its impact felt in the healthcare industry.
As technology continues to advance, expect to see its applications to gain further momentum. In time, VR will be seamlessly integrated into healthcare. Its positive effects on patient care may make it the primary option for some treatment programs in the coming years.