As the metaverse continues to dominate news headlines at the start of 2023 – promising to change workplaces , our social lives , and how we do business – the world of healthcare is already benefitting from advances in technology .
Referred to as the ‘ new horizon ’ in Accenture ’ s most recent Digital Health Technology Vision report , the metaverse could have a transformative impact on the healthcare industry . And with that announcement , it ’ s safe to say that virtual reality ( VR ) is no longer just for gaming . As pointed out by the non-profit hospital Cedars-Sinai , scientists have been quietly discovering the health benefits of VR for ailments ranging from burn injuries and strokes to PTSD and schizophrenia .
“ Virtual reality also helps with learning how to better communicate with patients and their families by offering them ‘ a 360-degree view ’ of the experience ”
JOÃO BOCAS CEO , DIGITAL SALUTEM
“ Over ten thousand studies reveal that VR has an uncanny ability to calm pain , steady nerves , and boost mental health ,” it claims . “ VR is helping to deliver babies , enabling soldiers to cope with the mental scars of war , and reminding doctors that patients are not broken machines , but are people whose subjective lives matter .”
VR can even provide a safe practice space for intricate surgery . A study by Seymour et
82 February 2023