Technology is constantly evolving and changing the healthcare landscape. From diagnostics to treatments, new technologies are being developed and implemented at a rapid pace.
One area that is seeing significant advancement is in the use of Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR). These immersive technologies have the potential to revolutionize how healthcare professionals train for operations, prepare patients for surgery, and leverage complex data in the form of 3D models.
In this blog post, we will explore some of these exciting applications of AR & VR in healthcare.
AR & VR for training, diagnostics, and treatments
As technologies such as Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality become more and more sophisticated, it’s no surprise that they are increasingly being adopted in the medical field. AR & VR can be used for a variety of applications to benefit medical professionals, patients, and researchers alike.
From training programs to diagnostics and treatments plans, this technology is revolutionizing the way that healthcare is delivered. This isn’t just really cool technology, AR & VR provide genuine value in improving the quality of care people receive.
Referring to medical training specifically, AR & VR are shaking up the landscape of traditional training methods by providing superior, alternative solutions. Traditional training methods provide an inadequate amount of learning opportunities for medical residents to reinforce their skill due to the need for human patients. This puts human patients under the blade of inexperienced students, increasing the risks of the operation.
By utilizing VR, medical residents and surgeons can practice and sharpen their skills any time, anywhere. Through the use of virtual simulations, users are presented with life-like scenarios that mimic real-life operations, allowing them to get a hands-on experience that is second only to a physical operation. One of the key benefits is that human patients become virtual patients, allowing residents and surgeons to train more and leave them better prepared and confident for their next operation.
By harnessing the power of AR/VR technology in smart ways within the medical field, we can create an improved experience for both patients and practitioners alike.
Leveraging 3D models with AR & VR for diagnosis & Treatment Planning
Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality can open the door to unprecedented medical innovation. It has become possible to create a 3D model of a patient’s body using AR/VR, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and treatment planning than ever before. By utilizing this cutting edge technological solution, medical professionals are able to identify and diagnose issues much earlier in the process. This helps identify issues before they become critical so medical personnel can provide solutions in an efficient, safe manner.
What’s more, by using AR/VR technology to leverage 3D modeling for treatment planning, doctors can more accurately plan procedures with precision and effectiveness. Ultimately, AR/VR technology will prove to be transformative for healthcare and is set to revolutionize the way we diagnose and treat patients on a global scale.
AR Used to Overlay medical information onto a live image of a patient
AR is transforming the medical industry, with its capacity to superimpose crucial patient data on top of a live image. By converting medical content into an easy-to-understand visual format, AR can act as an innovative tool that simplifies complex concepts and makes key information more accessible than ever before.
Neurosurgeons from Johns Hopkins are taking advantage of this powerful tool to perform AR-guided surgeries due to the technology’s ability to convert complex data into highly detailed 3D models. This level of visualization allows surgeons to focus completely on the patient and not have to constantly look up at their CT scans. Timothy Witham, M.D., Director of the Johns Hopkins University Neurosurgery Spinal Fusion Laboratory at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, had this to say about using AR:
When using Augmented Reality in the operating room, it's like having a GPS navigator in front of your eyes in a natural way so you don't have to look at a separate screen to see your patient's CT scans.
In addition, AR facilitates the education of medical practitioners, allowing them to make more informed decisions when diagnosing and treating patients. AR also supports interdisciplinary within the healthcare system, making it easier for professionals from multiple fields to collaborate on patient treatments. Ultimately, this educational approach enriches patient care by providing better outcomes for both doctors and patients.
VR used to help patients prepare for surgery
Patients worldwide are experiencing the power of Virtual Reality technology transform their surgical experience. With VR, they can practice prospective scenarios in a safe and adjustable environment, leading them better prepared for what could be a daunting anticipation of major surgery.
Stanford Medicine currently utilizes their own VR software system that combines images from MRIs, CT scans, and angiograms to create 3D models that physicians can leverage and patients can benefit from. Using this software with VR, patients are able to gain a deeper level of understanding regarding the procedure they are about to undergo.
Using VR in this way increases the confidence patients have about the procedure, as well as, leading up to it, ultimately resulting in better outcomes. Even more inspiring is the fact that this same technology can also be used to simulate different ailments, allowing physicians to further understand how it will feel for their patient pre- and post-procedure.
From a medical perspective, VR has broken down numerous barriers with regards to patient preparation, understanding, and communication – all crucial elements of successful operations. We should be excited about the advancements in this technology and consider how best leverage it as we look aheads towards future medical innovations.
VR provides Distraction and relief from pain during medical procedures
VR technology can provide more than just entertainment – it can also be used to enhance medical care. By crafting visual experiences tailored to each patient, VR can be an effective means of providing distraction and relieving pain while patients receive medical procedures. Studies have shown that experiencing digital worlds or playing interactive games on a VR headset during a typical hospital procedure can reduce stress and help shape the overall experience in a positive way.
Furthermore, since VR eliminates the need for physical distractions such as music or television, it offers greater control over the distraction and can offer more precise relief from pain. A comprehensive literature review of studies that observe the effects of VR during procedures has found that VR is a proven and effective tool in reducing procedural pain.
This groundbreaking technology offers boundless possibilities, delivering treatments and care options that were unimaginable before and revolutionizing the way healthcare professionals serve their patients.
AR & VR are changing the way healthcare is delivered
AR and VR technology is revolutionizing the way healthcare is delivered now, offering patients more consistent and immersive care. From virtual consultations to surgeries and treatments, care providers are leveraging these advanced tools to provide health service in novel ways. AR and VR allow healthcare professionals to access better patient information and quickly assess conditions while providing hands-on training opportunities for students.
As a result of this technological advancement, doctor-patient communication has improved; patients have more control over their own health outcomes; and medical education is becoming more accessible and cost-effective. In short, AR and VR offer huge potential for transforming our current healthcare system into one that offers truly personalized experiences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is clear that Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality are transforming healthcare delivery and enabling greater patient outcomes. AR can be used to overlay medical information onto a live image of the patient, while VR can be used to create a 3D model of a patient’s body for diagnostics or treatment planning. Not only that, but VR can also be utilized to help prepare patients for surgery and provide distractions and relief during medical procedures.
As we continue to unlock the potential of AR & VR, the future of healthcare may look quite different from what it looks like today. These cutting-edge tools are already improving healthcare outcomes, reducing recovery times, and giving patients more control over their care. AR & VR will undoubtedly revolutionize how medicine is practiced in the years to come.
Comhar Technology Group specializes in AR & VR application development. We will work with you to create an application that is tailored to you and your organization’s needs. Our team of developers is looking to assisting you in elevating your business or organization to the next level with AR & VR!