Virtual Reality in Healthcare: Applications and Benefits

Posted in Healthcare

Virtual reality has gotten considerable attention in the gaming field, and now, its use is also being lauded in the healthcare industry, especially after COVID-19. Hospitals are beginning to understand the benefits of VR in healthcare. From training physicians to patient recovery and aftercare, virtual reality is revolutionizing every aspect of this industry. Let’s get into further detail about virtual reality in healthcare and discuss its benefits, real-life examples, and more!

What is Virtual Reality in Healthcare?

Virtual reality has been in the market for quite a few years now, and technological advancements have made way for it to conquer the healthcare field, too. 

VR is transforming healthcare through its immersive digital experiences. Virtual reality simulation in healthcare helps medical students and professionals train and practice the most complex procedures on simulated patients. 

By providing realistic simulation training, healthcare students can practice all types of procedures in a safe environment to enhance their skills while minimizing mistakes. Virtual reality in medicine and surgery enables pre-operative planning and surgical simulation, improving precision and reducing errors. Additionally, virtual reality in healthcare helps with pain management by distracting patients and reducing reliance on medication. 

Users immerse themselves in a virtual world by wearing a VR headset that can be tailored to specific medical needs. Virtual reality uses computer modeling and 3D simulations to create the illusion of being elsewhere without changing their physical location.

Devices used for virtual reality in healthcare can quickly capture vital information, facilitating interventions before procedures are conducted. The devices or tools that enable creating VR are:

• Head Gear For Display: These are head-strapped devices mounted onto the user’s head, with earphones and display lenses attached to the strap. This gear provides an immersive virtual reality experience where objects are placed before the user.
• Smart Glasses: Virtual reality simulation in healthcare uses smart glasses to aid medical professionals in correctly performing medical procedures and diagnostic tests. This leads to an improvement in clinical outcomes and overall patient satisfaction. 
• Haptic Gloves: These specialized gloves enable natural interaction with virtual environments. Haptic gloves are one of the latest examples of virtual reality in medicine and have the potential to change the healthcare industry. 

Virtual Reality in Healthcare Examples

Multiple examples can show how virtual reality in healthcare works. It provides medical training by replicating real-life scenarios that can arise in physical settings, and the user can practice without causing any harm. 

Most top hospitals and medical universities worldwide have implemented VR applications to train surgeons or provide medical education remotely. This strategy uses problem-oriented learning and explanation of internal body organs with virtual visualization. 

Moreover, VR relieves chronic pain in those who are recovering from any disease or in situations when pain medicine or anesthesia use is contraindicated.

Another example of virtual reality simulation in healthcare is physical therapy and rehabilitation for patients who cannot exercise because of pain. VR motivates them to complete their routine workout by distracting their attention from pain through images/videos, sensations, and sounds.

Practical Applications of Virtual Reality in Healthcare

The use of virtual reality in healthcare is numerous; from easing chronic pain by distracting attention to full medical training, the uses continue to rise. 

3 types of VR in healthcare: 

• Non-immersive VR
• Semi-immersive VR
• Fully-immersive simulation VR

Practical applications of VR technology in the medical field include pain management, physical therapy and rehabilitation, stroke and injury recovery, mental health disorders, patient education, and telemedicine. Let’s discuss each in detail. 

Pain Management

Virtual reality has shown a ground-breaking achievement in pain management and has emerged as an alternative to traditional methods of pain control. For patients struggling with chronic diseases, virtual reality therapies have reduced pain perception by 24%. 

Medical and surgical VR uses multiple therapy approaches to create immersive environments that engage patients in calming and enjoyable activities. Biofeedback mechanisms, real-time monitoring, and pain level adjustments provide personalized care.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation 

VR in healthcare allows the personalization of rehabilitation programs to cater to individual patient’s needs, making physical therapy more effective. Gamification makes rehabilitation exercises fun, increasing patient’s motivation. With real-time performance feedback and recovery tracking, therapists can modify treatment plans accordingly. 

Stroke and Injury Recovery

Stroke survivors saw a significant improvement in motor functioning through VR-based rehabilitation. Through daily activities and surrounding simulation, VR aids them in practicing or entirely relearning vital skills in a controlled environment without the risk of any damage. 

Mental Health Treatment 

Virtual reality VR in healthcare offers a detailed approach to PTSD, anxiety disorders, phobias, and other mental health conditions treatment. VR exposure therapy has demonstrated high success rates, rising to 70%, allowing patients to confront their fears within a safe virtual environment. 

Moreover, VR therapy reduces the stigma associated with mental health treatment by providing a private setting. Patients can access it from homes comfortably and have demonstrated a 40% higher treatment compliance rate.

Patient Education 

Virtual reality mends knowledge gaps through interactive tools and has shown a 45% increase in patient comprehension of their conditions when VR is involved. Patients explore their medical conditions and possible treatments in an engaging way that makes sense to them. 

Remote Consultations and Telemedicine

Virtual reality in telemedicine services allows doctors to personalize treatments remotely. Regardless of the patient’s location, VR makes healthcare accessible to those who need it. Overall, patient satisfaction improves when patients receive expert advice at home without the hassle of traveling long distances. VR eliminates geographical barriers and helps address the disparities within the healthcare system.

Benefits of VR in the Healthcare Industry

The benefits of virtual reality in healthcare are:

• Safe and Effective Training: Virtual reality provides a safe and controlled environment for medical professionals to practice complex procedures, eliminating the risk of real errors and improving skills.
• Enhanced Patient Experience: VR relieves the stress and boredom of long hospital stays. 
• Overcoming Fears: Virtual reality exposure therapy allows patients to confront their fears in a simulated setting. Gradual exposure of patients to anxiety-inducing stimuli helps them overcome phobias and anxieties.
• Pain Management: VR distracts patients from pain, reducing the need for strong pain medication. It is particularly beneficial for children undergoing medical procedures, helping them cope with discomfort.

Projected VR Market Growth (2020-2025)

The global market of virtual reality in healthcare is projected to grow from USD 4.18 billion in 2024 to USD 46.37 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 35.1% during the forecast period.

This sharp rise is due to the following reasons:

Evolving Care Models:

• We’re seeing rapid improvements in VR technology itself. Higher-resolution displays, more comfortable headsets, and better software make VR experiences more realistic and practical.
• Healthcare is moving towards more patient-centered and remote care models. VR allows for therapies and consultations that can be done from the patient’s home, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits.

VR as a Therapeutic Tool:

• VR is proving effective in pain management by distracting patients from discomfort and providing immersive experiences that reduce the perception of pain.
• For mental health, VR can create controlled environments to help patients with anxiety, PTSD, and other conditions.
• In physical rehabilitation, VR games and simulations can make exercises more engaging and motivating, leading to better recovery outcomes.

Transforming Medical Education:

• Virtual reality in healthcare offers medical students and professionals a safe and realistic training environment. They can practice complex procedures and surgeries without risking harming a real patient.

Integration with Advanced Technologies:

• When combined with Artificial Intelligence (AI), VR can analyze patient data and provide personalized treatment recommendations.
• The Internet of Things (IoT) allows VR systems to collect real-time data from sensors, providing valuable insights for diagnosis and treatment.
• Robotics, paired with VR, permits the remote performance of surgeries or other delicate procedures.

The Post-COVID Digital Health Acceleration:

• The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for remote healthcare solutions. VR became a valuable tool for remote consultations, virtual therapy sessions, and at-home rehabilitation.
• It accelerated the adoption of digital technologies throughout the healthcare system.

Increased Accessibility and Institutional Support:

• The cost of VR hardware has decreased significantly, making it more accessible to both healthcare providers and patients.
• Hospitals and other healthcare institutions are increasingly recognizing the benefits of VR and investing in its implementation.
• This combined with the growth of software that is designed for medical applications, is making VR an ever more viable tool.

Disadvantages of Virtual Reality in Healthcare

There are multiple pros and cons of virtual reality in healthcare. Since we are through with benefits, let’s discuss VR’s disadvantages. 

While VR has significant potential in healthcare, acknowledging its limitations and challenges is also important. One major roadblock is the potential for adverse side effects like nausea, dizziness, and disorientation. 

These adverse effects are often called “virtual reality sickness.” They can be caused by factors such as intense visual and sensory stimulation, prolonged exposure to blue light, disruption in sleep patterns, etc. 

Another pressing concern is the cost of high-quality VR equipment and software. While less expensive options are available, they may not offer the same performance and experience. 

Virtual Reality in Healthcare: Challenges and Ethical Considerations

Virtual Reality in healthcare is a powerful tool revolutionizing patient care, medical training, and therapeutics. However, just like with any technology, its implementation comes with a baggage of ethical concerns. Let’s take a look. 

Cybersickness and Discomfort

As mentioned earlier, cybersickness is a type of motion sickness caused by virtual reality (VR) headsets. Symptoms include nausea, dizziness, and headaches. 

Solution: Improving VR headset designs and incorporating haptic feedback, along with smoother and more realistic simulations, can reduce cybersickness. 

Capital Requirement for Virtual Reality in Healthcare 

The use of virtual reality technology in healthcare is expensive, especially for high-quality systems. VR headsets, software, and maintenance add to the total cost. 

Solution: Many efforts are being made to reduce these costs with increasing innovations in the healthcare market and high competition driving down prices. 

Ethical Considerations of Virtual Reality in Healthcare

Ethical issues with virtual reality in healthcare include: 

Privacy and Data Security

Utilizing VR for healthcare raises pressing concerns about patient privacy and data security. Virtual reality platforms often collect PHI and sensitive personal health data, making it crucial to implement strong security measures. 

Healthcare providers must use sturdy encryption protocols, secure storage, and strict access controls to minimize the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches. 

Health Inequalities

Another ethical concern is the potential for virtual reality to worsen existing healthcare imbalances. Access to VR technology is limited for certain populations because of socioeconomic barriers. This widens the gap in healthcare access, as those with limited resources cannot afford or have access to VR-based treatments. 

To address this issue, healthcare organizations should work on prioritizing VR solutions to make them accessible and inclusive. Strategies like providing financial assistance programs, creating VR experiences that cater to diverse needs, and ensuring equitable distribution of VR technology can help in this regard.

Patient Autonomy and Informed Consent

The immersive nature of VR raises concerns about patient autonomy and informed consent, mostly in healthcare setups. Patients may be more vulnerable to suggestion or manipulation within virtual environments. To prevent this and safeguard patient autonomy, healthcare providers must ensure that patients fully comprehend the results of VR interventions and have the freedom to withdraw consent at any time. Rigorous training of ethical guidelines can lessen potential risks and prioritize patient well-being.

Step-By-Step Implementation of Virtual Reality in Healthcare

Follow these steps to implement virtual reality in healthcare effectively: 

1. Assess Needs and Objectives

Identify areas in your healthcare practice where virtual reality can add value, such as medical training, patient care, or rehabilitation.

2. Select Appropriate Technology

Select the right type of VR system from options like non-immersive, semi-immersive, or fully immersive systems on the basis of your objectives and budget.

3. Develop Content and Scenarios

Either create or source high-quality VR content designed to your specific needs. This includes any form of simulation, from training healthcare professionals to therapeutic scenarios for patient use.

4. Train Staff

Ensure that healthcare providers are adequately trained on how to use VR technology effectively, including troubleshooting common issues.

5. Pilot Testing

Conduct pilot programs to gather feedback from staff and patients about the usability and effectiveness of the VR applications.

6. Evaluate and Adjust

Monitor the outcomes of the pilot tests, making necessary adjustments based on user feedback and performance metrics.

7. Full-scale Implementation

Roll out the VR applications across your healthcare facility, ensuring ongoing support and training as needed.

8. Continuous Improvement

Regularly update the content and technology based on advancements in VR and user feedback to ensure optimal performance and relevance.

The Cost of Implementing Virtual Reality in Healthcare

The cost of virtual reality in healthcare involves multiple components that significantly influence its adoption and continuous use. Let’s take up each major cost aspect in detail: 

Initial Development Costs

The initial development amount for implementing a VR program in healthcare often ranges between $30,000 and $300,000, depending on the complexity and scope of the application. Typically, this investment encompasses personnel costs that constitute a significant portion of the total expenses. Hardware and software expenses are also not cost-effective; hospitals must invest in high-quality VR headsets and software licenses to abide by industry standards. 

Operational Costs

After establishing a VR system, operational costs, including variable and fixed expenses, become apparent. Variable costs associated with consumables used during VR sessions can be relatively low, estimated at around $3.39 per patient. However, ongoing staff training and maintenance costs can accumulate over time. 

Cost Savings Potential

Despite the initial investment and ongoing operational costs, virtual reality in healthcare has the potential to generate significant savings. By reducing the duration of hospital stays and decreasing reliance on opioid medications, VR can lead to substantial financial benefits. 

Studies indicate that virtual reality therapy programs can remain cost-effective if they successfully decrease hospital stays by at least 14.6% and provide effective pain management alternatives. The economic analysis suggests that these factors contribute to a favorable return on investment (ROI) for hospitals adopting VR therapy.

Return on Investment (ROI)

The return on investment from implementing virtual reality programs can be high if certain conditions are met. For example, to be cost-effective, at least 14.6% of patients must utilize the VR program. Additionally, annual fixed costs should be kept below approximately $326,872 to ensure financial sustainability. 

Sensitivity analysis shows that VR therapy remains cost-effective even under varying conditions, such as changes in opioid usage or patient admissions. This potential for a strong return on investment makes VR an attractive option for healthcare providers seeking innovative and cost-effective solutions.

The Future of Virtual Reality in Healthcare

VR technology in the medical field has the potential to revamp healthcare by making it more accessible, interactive, and personalized. While adopting VR in healthcare is still in its early stages, many hospitals are exploring virtual solutions to improve patient care, train future healthcare professionals, and deal with rising costs.

While some users may experience initial discomfort, such as motion sickness, advancements in VR technology are addressing these challenges. Virtual reality and healthcare have shown potential, with many experts predicting a future where VR becomes as common as telehealth. 

Connect with Folio3 to Get Customized VR Solutions

Folio3 Digital Health is committed to improving patient care with innovative technology solutions. By following HIPAA and HL7 protocols, we can help you utilize the benefits of virtual reality in wearable technologies in healthcare to enhance services like remote patient monitoring for delivering personalized care. Additionally, healthcare professionals advance their skills from lifelike simulations to facilitate training without risk. Partner with Folio3 Digital Health and learn how our HIPAA-compliant solutions can improve your practice and patient outcomes.

Conclusion

Integrating virtual reality in healthcare is transforming the industry; however, its successful implementation requires careful ethical consideration. Prioritizing accessibility and inclusivity ensures VR applications work on diverse patient needs, including those with disabilities. At the same time, customization and personalization enhance patient engagement and treatment outcomes. Continuous evaluation and feedback are crucial for optimizing VR experiences and getting to know any limitations.

Adhering to regulatory requirements and industry standards is essential for safe and compliant use. HL7 interface engine could be used to create personalized VR experiences, such as tailoring simulations according to a patient’s specific medical history.

Additionally, leveraging big data analytics can enable personalized medicine, improve patient outcomes, and optimize operations through predictive insights and real-time data analysis. However, ethical considerations, such as privacy and security, must be carefully addressed. Transparent consent processes, robust data protection measures, and ethical guidelines are necessary to ensure the responsible and beneficial use of VR in healthcare.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Main Purpose of VR?

Virtual reality (VR) can transform how we interact with and experience the world around us. It provides a new way of experiencing information, allowing individuals to learn, practice, and explore in a safe and controlled (simulated) environment.

How Can Virtual Reality Be Used in Healthcare?

Virtual Reality (VR) is improving healthcare by offering immersive simulations for medical training, pain management, stroke management, etc.

Is Virtual Reality a Medical Device?

As per FDA notifications, virtual and augmented reality in healthcare “have the potential to transform healthcare, delivering new types of treatments and diagnostics.” The FDA has authorized 69 medical devices incorporating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR).

What Are the Advantages of Virtual Reality in Nursing?

It offers lifelike simulations and helps nurses practice their skills in essential decision-making through reality-based simulations of medical scenarios. 

What is Virtual Reality in a Hospital?

Virtual reality in healthcare creates simulated realities with the help of wearable tech gadgets like goggles over the eyes to support aspects of medical care. 

Is Augmented and Virtual Reality in Healthcare Adaptive or Assistive?

Virtual and augmented reality in healthcare are both adaptive and assistive technologies. They adapt to the patient’s individual needs, offering custom therapy and interactive learning experiences. These assistive tools aid physical rehabilitation, pain management, and mental health treatment. 

Is The Virtual Reality Market in Healthcare Sector Expensive?

Virtual reality in healthcare is expected to grow globally to USD 19.7 B.

How Effective is VR Medical Training?

VR medical training is highly effective, particularly in surgical training. Some studies are showing a 230% improvement in performance compared to traditional methods.

What Is The Role of Virtual Reality in Healthcare Education?

Virtual reality in healthcare education offers immersive, interactive, and safe learning environments for medical professionals. 

How Can VR Be Used in Healthcare?

VR provides engaging telehealth experiences, reduces medical training errors, and increase patient engagement rate.

What is the Implementation Cost of Virtual Reality in Healthcare?

The implementation cost of virtual reality in healthcare varies. However, it generally includes hardware, software development, licensing, and system integration, with initial costs ranging from $1,500 to $17,495 for hardware and potentially $12,000 to $150,000+ for software.

About the Author