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Virtual Reality Revolutionizing Healthcare

Virtual Reality (VR) is transforming healthcare, from easing patients’ discomfort to training future medical professionals. The potential of this powerful tool in advancing medicine was discussed at the 28th annual Capra Interdisciplinary Healthcare Symposium. This event was focused on the future of interdisciplinary research incorporating VR, artificial intelligence, and similar technologies.

Students from UT Southwestern’s School of Health Professions were among the attendees to learn about the latest developments in VR in healthcare.

The Evolution of VR in Healthcare

In the 1980s, the idea of using VR in healthcare was just a dream. Fast forward to now, VR has become a useful and feasible tool in the medical field according to keynote speaker Ganesh Sankaranarayanan, Ph.D., who is an Associate Professor of Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, and co-Director of the Center for Assessment of Surgical Proficiency.

Dr. Sankaranarayanan’s talk centered on the significant transformation in surgical education brought about by VR, tracing the evolution from the era of video cameras known as “box trainers” to today’s widespread use of VR headsets to enhance surgical proficiency and patient outcomes.

Using VR to Boost Surgical Skills

VR is one of the most powerful teaching tools in the medical field according to Dr. Sankaranarayanan. Through VR, surgical skills can be practiced repeatedly until proficiency is obtained, contributing to the enhancement of surgical performance and patient outcomes. It also allows medical students to practice potential rare surgeries and gain confidence through unlimited repetitions.

VR in Pain and Anxiety Management

Another significant impact of VR in healthcare is its role in reducing patients’ anxiety and pain. This was noted by speaker Omaira Azizad, M.D. who is an Associate Professor of Anesthesiology & Pain Management.

One creative application of VR is its use in distracting pediatric burn patients during bandage changes, which helps to alleviate pain. The immersive nature of VR blocks out the real world, allowing patients to interact with a simulated environment and thus divert their attention away from pain.

Using VR in Physical Therapy

VR also plays a role in physical therapy by providing an engaging and stimulating experience for patients. It introduces an element of ‘gamification’, making the therapy sessions less monotonous for the patients. However, it should be noted that VR does not replace the need for an on-site physical therapist.

Exploring the Impact of VR on Exercise Research

At the symposium, Traci Betts, D.P.T., Ph.D. candidate, presented her research on the “Effects of Immersive Virtual Reality on Exercise Physiology and Satisfaction in Patients at Risk for Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction: A Pilot Protocol.”

The research explored whether immersive VR could make exercise testing more effective and easier for people at risk of heart failure. The study indicated that those with lower fitness levels showed meaningful improvement when using VR compared with other standard tests. This suggests that immersive VR can support exercise testing or training, particularly for those who struggle with traditional methods.

The Future of VR in Healthcare

The event concluded with a student discussion on new horizons in medicine and science. According to Jason Zafereo, M.P.T., Ph.D., Chair of the SHP Research Advisory Committee and Professor of Physical Therapy and Orthopaedic Surgery, the symposium provided insights into VR’s growing role in healthcare.

As the symposium highlighted, VR has a significant impact on medical training, surgical care, rehabilitation, and research. It fosters the exchange of ideas that promote interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in healthcare.