Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently demonstrated the capabilities of the Oculus Rift virtual reality (VR) headset and Oculus Touch controllers during the Oculus Connect 3 event in San Jose, California. However, VR technology isn’t just for gaming and entertainment—it’s also making waves in the healthcare industry.
Dr. Jake Shine, a third-year orthopedics resident at Kettering Health Dayton in Ohio, had the opportunity to use VR before assisting in a major shoulder-replacement surgery. With his attending physician, Shine used Meta Quest 2 headsets to walk through a 3D simulation of the surgery, allowing him to practice and fine-tune his skills before the actual procedure. The result? A successful surgery and a patient who made a full recovery.
VR technology is proving to be valuable in healthcare by providing doctors with a tool to train on and treat patients more effectively. It offers immersive experiences that can help with pain management and rehabilitation. For example, Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles is preparing to launch a virtual platform to assist patients with gastrointestinal issues, anxiety, addiction, and perimenopausal health. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is also using VR for pain management, behavioral therapy, and rehabilitation at more than 160 facilities.
While the potential of VR in healthcare is promising, its cost-effectiveness across the industry remains uncertain. Meta, formerly known as Facebook and the owner of Oculus, has made significant investments in VR technology and plans to release the Meta Quest 3 VR headset next month. Apple is also set to enter the VR market, targeting the higher-end user with its Vision Pro headset.
Both Meta and Apple recognize the potential of VR in healthcare, with Meta releasing case studies and promoting videos of futuristic surgeons in training. However, gaming and entertainment still seem to be their main focus. Cedars-Sinai and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are open to using headsets from any company as long as they support the necessary software.
Medical schools and residency programs are also incorporating VR into their curricula. For example, at Kettering Health Dayton, VR training is now mandatory for first-year orthopedics residents. Even more senior-level residents like Dr. Shine are benefiting from VR training, and Kettering Health Dayton plans to incorporate it throughout the program.
VR technology in healthcare is still in its early stages, but the initial results are promising. It has the potential to improve health outcomes, provide pain relief, and enhance training for medical professionals. As the technology continues to advance, we can expect to see even more innovative applications in the healthcare industry.
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