Stepping beyond the boundaries of traditional healthcare, Virtual Reality (VR) emerges as a transformative force, reshaping the landscape of medicine by offering innovative solutions in diagnostics, treatment, and patient care. From simulating complex surgeries, to exploring intricate anatomical structures, VR doesn't just introduce a new tool; it offers healthcare professionals and patients alike an innovative and immersive perspective that will revolutionize the future of healthcare.
How it Started
The concept of VR was introduced in the 1960s, where it was used for head-mounted
displays and basic computer-generated environments. While primarily used in military and aviation simulations, researchers began to explore potential applications in various fields, including medicine. As the technology started to become more accessible, early VR applications were developed for simulating surgeries. It allowed students to explore the human body in an interactive space. With this immersive learning, surgeons were able to develop practical skills. Later, the 2000s brought realistic anatomy modules.
VR in Treatment and Therapy
VR has found applications in therapeutic interventions and patient care.
VR is used for pain management, exposure therapy* for phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and rehabilitation exercises. VR environments can be tailored to individual patient needs, providing a personalized and controlled setting for various therapeutic purposes. Note that VR doesn't replace standard treatment, and instead acts as an additional treatment.
To explain why VR treatment is practical, Medical News Today mentions, "People can do exposure therapy without VR, but sometimes, this is difficult to do. For example, a person with a fear of flying cannot fly on an airplane for a few seconds and work their way upward. Additionally, other phobias, such as a fear of wild animals, could put someone in danger if they try to interact with one." VR is particularly beneficial for pediatric patients, to immerse them in alternative environments, effectively distracting from potential discomfort and enhancing their overall treatment experience.
Moreover, VR can be used as a method of remote consultation. This can reduce the chance of spreading an illness, comfort the patient, and allow the healthcare provider to better understand the situation. Wearable devices can also be used to further aid VR.
*Exposure therapy is a type of behavioral therapy that can help treat various phobias and anxiety disorders.
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