In a groundbreaking move that exemplifies the convergence of technology and medicine, doctors are increasingly turning to virtual reality (VR) to revolutionize the way they train and treat patients. VR is finding a valuable niche in healthcare, particularly in medical training and pain management, and early tests suggest its potential to improve health outcomes is substantial.
The Power of Virtual Reality in Medical Training
Dr. Jake Shine, a third-year orthopedics resident at Kettering Health Dayton in Ohio, vividly demonstrates the power of VR in medical training. Just days before assisting in his first major shoulder replacement surgery, Shine, along with his attending physician, immersed themselves in a 3D VR simulation of the procedure. The surgery, known as reverse total shoulder arthroplasty, is a complex operation that can last up to two hours, requiring surgeons to navigate around delicate neurovascular structures and the lungs.
After the initial virtual run-through, Shine took his VR headset home to practice, dedicating significant time to fine-tuning his skills. He performed virtual rehearsals of the surgery approximately twice a day leading up to the real operation.
The results were impressive. The surgery went off without complications, and the patient made a full recovery. Shine noted that the VR training allowed him to learn not only what to do but also what to avoid, all without putting the patient at risk.
One key advantage of VR training in the medical field is its ability to provide a safe and risk-free environment for doctors to practice and refine their skills. It reduces the potential for errors during real procedures and boosts confidence among medical professionals.
While consumer VR remains a niche market and a significant financial endeavor for Meta, formerly known as Facebook, the technology is proving its worth in healthcare. Kettering Health Dayton is just one of numerous healthcare institutions in the U.S. exploring the potential of VR as a training and treatment tool.
Expanding the Horizons of Extended Reality (XR)
The broader category of “extended reality” (XR) encompasses both fully immersive VR headsets like the Meta Quest 2 and augmented reality (AR) devices that overlay digital information on real-world surroundings. Whether XR can be cost-effective across the entire medical industry remains an open question. However, early experiments underscore its potential to enhance healthcare outcomes.
Meta entered the XR market in 2014 with the acquisition of Oculus and has since invested heavily in VR and AR technologies. Apple is also preparing to enter the VR market with its Vision Pro headset, targeting higher-end users. The competition between these tech giants is expected to drive innovation and expand the applications of XR in healthcare.
One prominent application of VR in healthcare focuses on pain management. Dr. Brennan Spiegel, director of health services research at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, highlighted how VR can help patients manage both physical and emotional components of pain. VR distracts the brain from pain signals and enables patients to shift their attention away from painful experiences, making it a valuable tool in pain treatment.
Cedars-Sinai is preparing to launch a virtual platform to assist individuals with gastrointestinal issues, anxiety, addiction, and perimenopausal health, underscoring the versatility of VR in addressing various medical conditions.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has also embraced XR technology to help patients manage pain, receive behavioral therapy, and undergo physical and cognitive rehabilitation. The VA uses XR at over 160 facilities, with more than 40 separate use cases across different sites. Caitlin Rawlins, the immersive program manager at the VA, recounted powerful stories of patients experiencing significant pain relief and improved cognitive function through XR treatments.
The medical education landscape is evolving as well. Medical schools and residency programs are incorporating VR training into their curricula. At Kettering Health Dayton, VR training has become mandatory for first-year orthopedics residents, with more levels of training expected to include VR in the future. VR modules offer residents the opportunity to practice procedures, hone their skills, and gain valuable experience in a controlled virtual environment.
Companies like PrecisionOS develop VR modules specifically for medical training. These modules help surgeons, medical residents, and device representatives refine their skills and understand complex procedures. The realistic and immersive nature of VR training provides a safe and effective way to prepare medical professionals for the operating room.
Challenges and Opportunities in XR Adoption
However, several challenges remain. Regulatory hurdles, particularly in terms of ensuring safety and efficacy, must be addressed as VR becomes more integrated into healthcare. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a team dedicated to regulatory science for XR technology, helping to establish best practices for testing and bringing devices to market.
Medical societies like the American Medical Extended Reality Association are emerging to guide the future of XR in healthcare. These organizations aim to facilitate collaboration among healthcare professionals, share knowledge, and advance the field. Additionally, peer-reviewed journals dedicated to medical extended reality are expected to contribute to the growth of this field.
As XR technology continues to evolve and improve, its role in healthcare will likely expand. While challenges related to cost, hardware, and software updates persist, the transformative potential of VR and XR in training and treatment is undeniable. The integration of technology and medicine promises to enhance patient care, improve medical education, and revolutionize the healthcare industry as a whole. VR is not just a tool for entertainment; it’s a powerful instrument for healing and learning in the medical world.
The Role of XR in Pain Management
One of the primary applications of VR in healthcare has been in pain management. Dr. Brennan Spiegel, the director of health services research at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, has been at the forefront of utilizing VR to help patients deal with pain. He explained that pain has both a physical and an emotional component, and VR can address both aspects effectively.
Injury or illness often leads to a complex interplay of physical discomfort and emotional distress. These pain signals are processed in different parts of the brain. VR offers a unique solution by providing an immersive experience that distracts the brain from these pain signals and helps patients shift their focus away from their distressing physical and emotional experiences.
Cedars-Sinai is taking this concept even further by preparing to launch a virtual platform designed to aid individuals dealing with gastrointestinal issues such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or acid reflux. They are also exploring VR applications for anxiety, addiction, and perimenopausal health, showcasing the versatility of VR in addressing a wide range of medical conditions.
Transforming Lives with XR: The Veterans Affairs (VA) Example
The potential of XR technology is not limited to just one institution. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has recognized the power of extended reality in improving patient outcomes and has embraced it across more than 160 facilities. These applications span pain management, behavioral therapy, physical rehabilitation, and cognitive rehabilitation.
Caitlin Rawlins, the immersive program manager at the VA, shared remarkable stories of patients experiencing profound benefits from XR treatments. One notable case involved an elderly patient who had undergone knee replacement surgery and was suffering from severe pain that opioids couldn’t alleviate. After a mere 30-minute session in VR, the patient reported that he could no longer feel the pain in his leg. This breakthrough not only provided pain relief but also enabled the patient to engage in necessary exercises and mobility, significantly contributing to his recovery.
Another heartwarming example highlighted a wheelchair-bound Army veteran experiencing cognitive decline. The VA introduced VR to explore its potential to reduce the need for antipsychotic medications. With the VR headset on, the patient was transported into a virtual nature scene, where he could walk through the woods, climb rocks, and interact with birds and deer. The transformation was striking, turning a surly, wheelchair-bound individual into a cheerful and engaged person. Such experiences demonstrate the profound impact of XR technology on improving the quality of life for patients.
VR in Medical Education: Preparing the Next Generation
Medical education is also experiencing a transformative shift with the integration of VR technology. Institutions like Kettering Health Dayton have made VR training a mandatory component of their medical curricula. For first-year orthopedics residents, VR training has become an integral part of their education.
In a month-long “boot camp,” newly minted doctors split their time between clinical services in the mornings and VR practice in the afternoons. As they progress through their training, the use of VR modules becomes increasingly important. Even senior-level residents like Dr. Jake Shine recognize the value of VR in accelerating their learning curve.
Dr. Reem Daboul, a first-year resident at the hospital, acknowledges that VR cannot fully replicate the physical sensations of a procedure, but it offers invaluable guidance. She has used a VR headset to walk through the steps of an anterior hip replacement, a procedure typically learned in the third year of residency or later. This early exposure to complex surgeries can significantly enhance a resident’s skills and confidence.
Enabling VR Training with PrecisionOS
Companies like PrecisionOS are at the forefront of developing VR modules tailored for medical training. These modules empower surgeons, medical residents, and medical device representatives to refine their skills, gain hands-on experience, and understand intricate procedures. Dr. Danny Goel, co-founder and CEO of PrecisionOS, revealed that the company serves nearly 80 customers globally.
The University of Rochester’s orthopedics residents also rely on PrecisionOS for their training. Dr. Richard Miller, a retired professor at the university, praised the sophistication and realism of the software. He highlighted the software’s effectiveness in teaching the step-by-step procedures that are critical for aspiring surgeons. The ability to practice at home further enhances residents’ capabilities and confidence.
Challenges on the Horizon
While XR technology holds immense promise in healthcare, significant challenges must be addressed. Regulatory hurdles, particularly those related to safety and efficacy, loom large. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a team dedicated to conducting “regulatory science” around XR technology. This team collaborates with a range of experts to establish best practices for testing promising devices and ensuring their safe introduction to the market.
In response to the growing importance of XR technology in healthcare, a new medical society called the American Medical Extended Reality Association was established in late 2022. Dr. Brennan Spiegel, a founding member, explained that this society brings together physicians, clinicians, and healthcare professionals to shape the future of XR in healthcare. With approximately 300 paying members already on board, the society anticipates rapid growth in the coming years. Additionally, the society is preparing to launch its first peer-reviewed journal, the Journal of Medical Extended Reality, further solidifying XR’s place in mainstream medicine.
A Promising Future for XR in Healthcare
The integration of XR technology into healthcare promises to bring about transformative changes. While challenges related to cost, hardware limitations, and software updates persist, the potential of VR and XR in training and treatment is undeniable. The marriage of technology and medicine holds the potential to enhance patient care, elevate medical education, and revolutionize the healthcare industry as a whole. VR and XR are not mere tools for entertainment; they are powerful instruments for healing and learning in the medical world.
As technology continues to evolve and improve, it will likely find even more applications in healthcare. The healthcare industry is on the cusp of a revolution, and virtual reality is at the forefront, changing the way doctors learn, patients cope with pain, and medical professionals provide care. VR is no longer confined to the realm of science fiction; it is making a significant impact on the lives of patients and the education of future healthcare providers. With continued research, innovation, and collaboration, the potential for VR and XR in healthcare is boundless.