Virtual reality technology is being used to improve telemedicine, surgery, health care workers' training, and more
When Housley works remotely with stroke survivors, he bridges the distance between himself and his patients by using virtual reality. Most of the stroke patients being treated by Georgia Institute of Technology clinicians have moderate to severe muscle weakness or paralysis known as hemiparesis. Conducting evaluations and physical exams requires physical interactions—such as manual muscle, reflex, and sensory testing—which would be nearly impossible via traditional telemedicine.
Using VR has resulted in more accelerated patient outcomes, such as improvements in range of motion, pain reduction and greater adherence to treatment plans, Housley says. In virtual environments, patients can see their personalized statistics in real time and track their progress, and as a result they frequently have much greater buy-in.Complex surgeries can tax even the most experienced clinicians, but virtual reality offers a way to practice before the actual procedure.
“What’s important [during the training] is to find the patients who would benefit from medical care immediately,” says Dr. Nicholas Kman, a professor of emergency medicine at the college who helps run the VR training sessions. “The previous training was via PowerPoint. But with virtual reality, it’s much easier to learn these skills when seeing the patients in front of you and feeling a pulse” as the headset’s controllers vibrate.
Wearing headsets, the students quickly assess the patient’s condition. In the simulation, an avatar or virtual representation of the student is poised beside the gurney, holding a tablet computer used to order tests and treatments. While the students are triaging the patient, he or she goes into cardiac arrest, which the students must manage with epinephrine. “By getting them to manage that patient, they’re learning what steps to take in real life,” Kman says. “It’s pretty cool.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Wearable technology promises to revolutionise health careWearables can detect subtle changes that otherwise go unnoticed, leading to early diagnosis, less severe disease and cheaper treatment
Read more »
Liam Gatsby's TOWIE return in doubt as he faces two-month recovery after surgeryPopular reality star Liam Gatsby remains in hospital after undergoing a life changing surgical procedure
Read more »
Who is G Flip? Everything you need to know about Chrishell Stause’s new flameSelling Sunset star confirmed the romance at the reality show’s reunion
Read more »
Bowling For Soup's Jaret Reddick would love Masked Singer roleBowling For Soup frontman Jaret Reddick has driven his manager mad by turning down plenty of reality TV offers over the years – but he’d make an exception for one show - The Masked Singer 🎭🎤
Read more »
UK pledges extra £1.3bn in military support for Ukraine ahead of G7 meetingThe UK has ramped up its military support for Ukraine, announcing a further \u00a31.3 billion ahead of a virtual G7 meeting on Sunday.
Read more »
Macron hails ‘democratic renaissance’ as he is sworn in for second termFrench president promises inclusive education system, accessible health service and stronger military at Elysée Palace ceremony
Read more »