Virtual reality useful for training providers, treating patients

Virtual reality is not just for entertainment, it is a valuable tool that healthcare professionals can employ in clinical scenarios, according to CMSA Today. Virtual reality has been used in healthcare since the 1990s, and today serves as a valuable clinical and educational tool.

Virtual reality is a computer-simulated environment that immerses the user in real-world experiences. It  can help train providers for complicated procedures using simulation and can also be used to record surgeries that can educate providers and residents alike. Other members of the healthcare team, including case managers, as well as patients and families, can use virtual reality for training on conditions, treatments, symptoms, condition management, procedures, diagnostic tests, and surgeries. Interactive programs can help case managers and other healthcare professionals teach patients and families about preventive medicine and the effects of poor lifestyle choices, according to CMSA Today.

Virtual reality can also prove useful in treating patients. For example, patients with mental health conditions, including phobias, anxiety, depression, and Alzheimer’s, can learn to face their illness head on with the help of virtual reality. Autistic patients have used virtual reality to help develop eye contact and improve social skills.

Biofeedback can be employed to help with pain control in patients who suffer from burns, chronic pain, or phantom limb pain by transporting the patient to a relaxing environment through the use of virtual reality. Homebound and disabled patients can use virtual reality to improve social interactions and prevent falls. Virtual reality has also proven helpful for patients with cancer, ophthalmic conditions, and head injuries, according to CMSA Today.  

The use of virtual reality in healthcare is anticipated to continue growing. In 2012, the virtual reality healthcare market was valued at $525 million and that number nearly doubled to $967 million in 2017, according to data CMSA Today gathered from The Statistics Portal from Statistica. The Global Industry Analysts, Inc., predicts that number will reach $3.8 billion by 2020, according to CMSA Today.