From gaming to aviation, the application of extended reality (AR/VR) technology is expanding quickly. However, the literature does not adequately record the implementation of this technology in healthcare education and service. This article will aim advantages of the ER in healthcare settings like real time training, and disadvantages like the health and safety concern of the user. Also, ER has a challenge of Privacy and security risk associated with the technology and also its high cost. Lastly, this study will provide broad overview of the effect of technology in social life.
Extended reality (ER) is revolutionizing healthcare by implementing new treatment types and altering the way of care delivery. There is a significant impact of computers on medicine, traditional technology (desktop computer & Mobile device) are either difficult or impossible to utilize in many facets of healthcare practice. Traditional technology relies on 2-Dimensional monitors to display and interpret medical scans, results and users utilize keyboard and mouse or a touchscreen to engage with the interface controls. It is challenging to utilize these equipment in aseptic settings, like operating room and attempt to grasp 3-Dimesional (3D) data, like the location of medical instruments or it can be difficult to see a patients anatomy on a 2D screen.
Three Main categories of extended reality (ER), which combines virtual and real world, are virtual, augmented and mixed reality, and it summarize future developments in above mentioned categories.
Mixed Reality (MR): A smooth combination of both virtual and digital domain that may be linked
Augmented Reality (AR): Overlaying of digital data on the actual world
Virtual Reality (VR): Three main features this technology own:
Interaction with a virtual environment in real time Scenario is viewed from the first or third person point of view User is completely immersed in the virtual world.
Using engaging simulations to teach skills and procedures is the basis of VR training in healthcare. It is used in anatomy instruction, patient care, medical equipment maintenance, and surgical training. Immersive experience, risk-free practices, and quick feedback will all contribute to better professional learning. In a simulated operating room, surgeons can practice complicated operations. For example, complicated brain procedure may be replicated using VR simulations. This gives surgeons the freedom to hone their skills without the stress of a live surgery.
Furthermore this article will describe the use of extended reality in healthcare settings such as educating patients, nurses, medical students and medical equipment service personnel.
VR is working wonders in the healthcare industry, by bringing the traditional workplace to the next level. It mimics actual situations in a regulated, virtual setting. Medical equipment service personnel may utilize virtual reality (VR) training to sharpen their skills in a risk-free environment (live equipment). The upkeep of medical equipment in healthcare facilities guarantees regulatory compliance, patient safety and operational efficiency. The lifespan of medical equipment is also increased by routine maintenance. It decreases the need for expensive parts replacement and reduces downtime.
According to a report, global medical equipment maintenance was valued at USD 41.90 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 81.32 billion by 2023 at a CAGR of 10.0%. A study by Stanford University, VR training reduces maintenance errors by 35%. Maintaining device safely, adhering to strict regulatory standards, and avoiding failures that might endanger patient welfare are all guaranteed by training. A comprehensive 3D model of an MRI machine may be created using VR, allowing service engineers to simulate disassembling and reassembling parts without the fear of harming actual equipment. The program offers real time feedback on the trainee’s activities, such as warning them if a step is missed or done incorrectly, during the VR training session for maintaining a dialysis machine. Trainees are able to learn from their errors right away because of this immediate feedback, which reinforce good practices and enhance their skills.
Implementing of VR in medical equipment maintenance offers several advantages such as accessibility and flexibility, enhanced skills acquisition, safety, and immersive learning experience. Through VR, a multinational medical equipment companies may educate its service personnel’s in several countries at once. This guarantees a consistent standard of training worldwide. In addition, VR training modules are available remotely and around the clock. In a regulated setting, VR training allows for frequent, hands on experience. It results in improved and effective skills growth. In a virtual reality setting, service engineer can get hands on a ventilator over and over again until they become proficient at it. To conclude, VR simulation will advance, providing training experiences that are even more immersive and realistic.
Challenges in Implementing ER:
The failure or improper use of VR applications will result from the same difficulties that arise from using other technologies. In this way, the efficient application of VR in the healthcare industry will depend significantly on understanding the opportunities and obstacles presented by this technology. The two main general and specific categories outline the primary difficulties associated with using and developing virtual reality in medical treatment and education. One of the main obstacles of using telemedicine and VR application in healthcare is how they impact the interpersonal interactions between doctors and patients, as well as the medical relationship between them. Studies indicated that implementing a VR is costly, the challenge that must be overcome prior to widespread use of virtual reality. Superior hardware, powerful graphics, high-speed computers, precise tracking system, high-resolution screens and very specialized peripherals, are necessary for the creation and advancement of virtual reality applications.
Designing of attractive content is also one of the challenges in implementing VR in healthcare. Involvement and collaboration of various disciplines in different industries is necessary for designing VR content, which may be prohibitive. In the cognitive environment, human experiences, memories, judgments, beliefs, and ability to differentiate between oneself and the environment, VR can create issues. One of the common side effects have been reported as the potential effects of VR is cybersickness. Indeed, cybersickness or simulation sickness is the biggest worry for VR users. Extended usage of VR system may result in headaches and eye strain. There are also other challenges in implementing ER technology; due the constraint all the challenges are not listed.
One of the research states that the global market for virtual reality in healthcare is predicted to hit $7.05 billion by 2026. Using VR training helps keep up with the latest trend. It is necessary to identify the best policies that will contribute significantly to the effective deployment of these technologies.
Anticipated progress in VR involves improvement in AI-based customization, the incorporation of augmented reality, and broader uses in remote assistance for repair tasks. Overall, the future outlook for virtual reality in the upkeep of medical equipment’s, surgical trainings, patient education etc. seems optimistic.
My Name is Ahmed Kharodia. I worked as a Field service engineer in two medical device industries; Epredia (Market leader in cancer diagnostics instruments and consumables) and carrot medical LLC (authorized service partner for Philips healthcare). Apart from this, I graduated from University of New Haven (West Haven, CT, USA) and I hold an undergrad degree in mechanical engineering from University of Mumbai (Mumbai, MH, INDIA
