Although still in its infancy as a fully realized medium, virtual reality is gaining in popularity as big-name brands such as Google, Sony, Samsung, HTC and others work to continually update their offerings in this space. Gamers have taken to virtual reality, and some innovative brands like Volvo, Mercedes, Toms and Marriott have experimented with it as well. Healthcare too has readily adopted virtual reality, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and expanding the medium beyond fun and games into the realm of patient care and saving lives.

Virtual Reality Technology in Patient Care

Virtual reality is being used in some hospitals to assist with stress, anxiety and pain management before and after procedures. How incredible would it be if you had the option to escape to a tropical beach right before an intense procedure? If you were facing a 10-week hospital stay, wouldn’t it be a welcome relief to visit Norway, Australia and Africa, albeit virtually, while you were recovering? Healthcare establishments using virtual reality report that this type of patient care accounts for speedier recoveries and happier patients.

Patients are also being introduced to virtual reality to help them overcome addictions and phobias and to deal with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Children and teens who have extended hospital stays or who have to endure intense procedures such as burn treatment or cancer care can also benefit from systems that allow them to play games, discover new places and even visit their homes from specially created worlds just for them.

Virtual Reality Technology in Education and Training

Physicians and nurses are reaping the rewards of hospitals investing in virtual reality. They are able to train in simulated real-life environments without the risk of having an actual patient involved. Medical students are able to observe expert surgeons, practice in their own right and get feedback on what they do correctly and incorrectly in procedures. First responders are also able to train for the job with simulated pressures of real-life emergencies. Front Range Community College, located in Colorado, recently installed a virtual reality system that allows their students training for first responder certifications to practice what they’ve learned in a virtual space before heading out into the real world. This sort of advanced training could result in fewer errors and increased confidence which results in saved lives.

Some medical facilities are also using VR to connect healthcare providers with patients and their symptoms. Applications include helping young doctors experience what it’s like to be an elderly person with limited mobility and dimmed eyesight. Other applications promote empathy among doctors by allowing them to experience situations with physical impairments such as missing limbs or other clinical symptoms of disease.

Cornfield & Partners can help you identify areas of opportunity in virtual reality and other cutting edge technologies. For information, contact info@cornfieldpartners.com or call us +44 (0)20 7692 0873.

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