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Healthcare is amongst the top 3 industries that are rapidly adopting computer-generated technologies and replacing traditional practices. One such tech-entrant in the world of medicine is virtual reality (VR) solutions, according to experts.
VR uses immersive technology to create a 3D simulative digital platform that transports a person into a virtually real world.
According to Dr Adith Chinnaswami, co-founder, MediSim VR, “The medical conglomerate is an expensive affair which cannot compromise on quality. Thus, healthcare professionals and technologists are bridging this gap by tailoring metaverses for medical education. VR is slowly taking over traditional teaching methods and preparing doctors and medical representatives to be much more versed in their field.”
He further added that medical education is no longer limited to books and cadavers but based more on risk-free, hands-on experience. VR simulations have brought about a great shift in the perception of medical training.
VR is helping in training medical students and also making it easier to learn anatomy. In India, one of the elements of struggle for medical learners is to get a real body for experiments and learning. This huge gap is solved through life-size 3D models of humans with realistic organs, bones, muscles, blood vessels and tissues allowing medical students to visually inspect the human anatomy up-close from various angles and sides through virtual reality. This enables a clearer understanding of the anatomy and various body parts.
Dr Chinnaswami further explained that simulations offer learning by performance instead of only observing. Now 3D virtual models are crafted with details which cannot be replicated in physical models. A VR app, virtual preprogrammed algorithms and the interactive digital models are engaging and immersive, allowing visualization of the human anatomy through advanced and detailed methods. Teachings of micro to macro levels can be conducted effortlessly, providing a holistic education. Precision tools and detailed anatomies of the visuals, provide never-before-seen insights to medical conditions.
Cadavers do not respond and therefore, earlier, methods and experiments were often based on logic and assumptions.
Creating simulations of real live bodies allows the student to experience reactions of the body to certain treatments. Various permutations and combinations of the same symptom and various treatments for it, allows a broader and clearer perspective of the problem and its cure. Actions and reactions are studied in real time. This helps doctors to be more educated and prepared for various situations.
“Tech overhaul with virtual reality can now provide an enhanced experience of medical conferences and presentations. The audience and presenter are strapped with VR headsets, transporting them into a plethora of visually creative metaverses. Interactive 3D gaming and visualization is inclusive and demands participation making these conferences more entertaining as well as successful. A scenario simulation system allows the user to edit or interact with the model’s contents and scenarios,” Dr Chinnaswami highlighted.
Allied workers in the medical fraternity include laboratory workers, pathology physicians, physiotherapists, technicians and staff members. Although these members are expected to be trained in their skill sets along with some first aid knowledge, there is no standardization of their education across the world. This large part of the medical representatives comprises an unorganized sector. VR now provides a standardized training methodology to these medical personnel. A global training platform will enable all these allied forces to be equipped to handle similar situations in a similar manner.
“VR models also simulate a wide range of medical situations and procedures which train the physicians and nurses to handle emergencies in a prepared and calm manner. These are especially helpful for ICU staff, nurses and surgeons, allowing hands-on practice in risk-free zones,” Dr Chinnaswami concluded.
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