Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality – The Future of Healthcare

May 28, 2019 Augmented Reality, Medical Education, Orthopedics, Simulation, Virtual Reality

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When we talk about virtual reality, most people think about its advancement in the gaming industry. But now Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) is being introduced in other sectors as well. A great example is the use of VR in the medical sector: the application of this latest technology has entered the field of healthcare and can bring great difference and be of great help both in training and in the practice of medical activities.

In fact, the medical sector is one of the main fields of action of Virtual Reality. There are so many applications to help both doctors and patients. The advantages of Virtual Reality are now applied in surgeries, in patients with disorders and phobias, in the treatment of diseases and especially in medical training. Frequently, people have such disorders as: tachycardia, panic attacks, antisocial behavior, anxiety, as well as psychological trauma after violence, traffic accidents, etc. Using VR / AR applications, patients receive a course of rehabilitation therapy.

Scientists of Tomsk Polytechnic University, together with colleagues from the Siberian State Medical University, announced the ongoing development of an early diagnosis system for neurodegenerative diseases – a method based on virtual reality technology. With the help of VR glasses, an experiment was conducted with a person who has Parkinson’s disease. The patient is immersed in a virtual environment, special sensors fixed on the body, track the movement of the body, if a person easily gets out of balance and cannot return to it again, it means there are complications for which you need to consult a doctor. The system was tested by about 50 volunteers. Among the participants were healthy people. Thanks to the system, you can find out how far a person’s condition is from healthy.

The final cost of the system is unknown, but it will be several times cheaper than foreign analogues and will be available for Russian hospitals. The system can be used for the rehabilitation of patients and the diagnosis of diseases. There are also Swedish scientists who have discovered one of the methods for reducing pain with the help of VR technology.

By Creativitism

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About Peter Coffaro 506 Articles

Peter Coffaro is a growth-driven and strategic executive with over 25 years of progressive management success in the medical device industry. With a proven track record and recognized expertise, Peter has established himself as one of the top influencers in medical sales, as acknowledged by prestigious publications such as the World Journal of Orthopedics, Exponential Healthtech, and MedReps.com. Throughout his career, Peter has accumulated 10 years of combined sales management experience, excelling in various roles including Director, General Manager, Distributor, and Vice President. He has worked for industry-leading orthopedic companies such as Zimmer, DePuy, and Stryker, solidifying his deep knowledge and network within the field. Peter’s passion for innovation and emerging technologies led him to found OrthoFeed, an award-winning blog covering digital orthopedic news and emerging medical technologies. Through this platform, he stays at the forefront of the industry and contributes to the dissemination of valuable insights. Peter is a three-time Hall of Fame award winner at Johnson and Johnson, demonstrating his exceptional contributions and impact on the organization. His expertise extends to areas such as organizational development, business development, sales management, digital marketing, and professional education. Peter earned a B.S. degree in Biology and Chemistry from Northern Illinois University, further complementing his comprehensive understanding of the medical field. With his wealth of experience, strategic mindset, and dedication to advancing healthcare, Peter Coffaro is a valuable asset and leader in the medical device industry.