VR & AR in Health Courses

VR stands for ‘virtual reality’ and generally refers to technology that provides a simulated experience of an immersive world.

When undergoing a VR experience, people usually wear a headset or some sort of hardware. These devices use tracking and 3D displays to create the illusion that users are in a different “world” and seeing or interacting with something that isn’t physically present.

AR stands for ‘augmented reality’ and involves a combination of real-world activity alongside computer-generated content. There are different applications of AR, such as a headset that covers your eyes or a handheld device with a camera (often a mobile phone).

When using AR, a virtual sensory experience is imposed onto real-world visuals, combined in a way that is a seamless experience. For example, when using an AR application on your phone, you might scan the room to see and interact with virtual objects or characters.

AR and VR can be used in a variety of ways by practitioners and patients in healthcare. Some of the most common uses are:

• Training: AR and VR technologies are used by students to simulate an environment or situation, which students can explore and interact with
• Patient education: AR and VR technologies are used to show patients what to expect in surgery or treatment, teaching them more about their situation
• Psychological relief and treatment: VR technologies can be used to provide distraction and relief for patients in stressful situations
• Body mapping: AR technologies can be used by surgeons, doctors, and nurses to render images of a patient’s body to prepare for surgeries and even 3D live-stream procedures to assist the professionals involved
• Data visualisation: Enables patient statistics and information to be displayed in real-time

As technology evolves, the opportunities for AR and VR in healthcare will continue to grow and develop. Experts predict that medical professionals will be able to use med-tech to identify problems and provide care more quickly and efficiently than ever before.

In future, patients will also be able to use AR and VR to better communicate with medical professionals, understand their issues and support treatment and recovery.