VR In HealthCare

By: Aditya Kamath

Virtual Reality in Healthcare

Virtual Reality (VR) is a three-dimensional simulation that is generated by a smart device such as a smart-phone or a computer. These simulations can be interacted with by the person in it through using proper equipment: including a VR headset, sensor-equipped gloves, goggles, and bodysuits. As the world is becoming increasingly interconnected, and technology is advancing, augmented reality technology is beginning to be implemented into our healthcare systems.

Moreover, virtual reality is being utilized to simulate interactions and experiences in hospitals, space research centers, and military training centers. Schools are using VR to provide students with a front-row seat to topics that they are learning or to go on field trips anywhere that they desire (Enis, 2005). In terms of healthcare, hospitals are using virtual reality to train new doctors in risk-free simulations. Doctors also use it to look at an exact three-dimensional replica of their patient’s body to create an accurate diagnosis. Moreover, hospitals are introducing virtual reality games to sickly children -- kids who spend long periods of time in hospitals due to illness. This acts as a distraction from pain or boredom for their patients, and helps these children from losing connection from the world (Smith, 2018). Military training centers are using risk free cost efficient VR technology to train pilots.

As time passes, virtual reality technology will continue to become intertwined with the everyday interactions in people’s lives, and will help human society progress.

Sources:

Chant I. Oculus VR Tech Rolls Out in California. Library Journal.

2017;142(17):19.

Enis, M. (2018). VR MEETS THE REAL WORLD. Library

Journal, 143(6), 22-25.

KONNIKOVA, M. (2015). VIRTUAL REALITY GETS

REAL. Atlantic, 316(3), 38-40.

Smith, J. (2018). Virtual Reality and Medicine. Booklist,

114(14), 42–46