Extended reality has the potential to transform remote care
If you think XR is only limited to games and entertainment, you need a reality check, or should we say "Extended" reality check now. Pun intended! The role of XR tech is expanding from the gaming industry to becoming a part of every other industry vertical that exists today. So, how can the healthcare industry avoid using such an incredible technology that can cut down their time and expenses?
Extended reality is on the rise. Many global surveys suggest that the value of AR and VR in the healthcare sector will reach around $10 billion worldwide. Innovation and expanding usage of such technologies are not only improving current healthcare solutions but are also quite helpful in alleviating the pressures of the healthcare industry.
While it might still sound like a science-fiction story, it is a reality. In fact, as per the assistant dean of scholarly innovation at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, virtual reality has a scope to prevent sports injuries. The reason being such new-age technologies gives a chance to explore beyond 2D technologies and use them as a proactive approach to solve issues beforehand.
It won't be wrong to say that there is a considerable potential to use extended reality in the healthcare industry. But its role in remote care is even more progressive. Here's why!
The extended reality in remote care
There is a huge potential for XR in many aspects of remote care. While the days are still young, one can expect a transformation in the coming days pretty soon. But how will it be helpful in remote care? Let's find out why you must embrace this technology right away!
The role of XR in well-being is just incredible.
Everyone knows the effects of mindfulness and meditation on the overall well-being and health of the patient. While many apps are already available that help people destress, such solutions aren't picking up as they should. With integrating VR, the solutions are even more immersive.
Using it, the solution providers can give their patients guided meditations to get done with their breathing exercises without feeling isolated. For instance, one of the applications provides guided meditations in aesthetically appealing virtual settings like a beach, secluded forest, or others.
All one has to do is put on the VR headset and block everything around you. Thus, it helps people focus and stay on the course of recovery as advised by the healthcare professional.
XR is quite beneficial in visualizing medical data
A lot of data is collected from the patients in remote care and even those in hospitals or clinics. One needs to figure it out to make informed medical decisions. AR can be helpful since it overlays images and information, and professionals can easily visualize the data in real life. Thus, making it easier to carry out procedures faster and in a much more accurate way.
For example, one example is AccuVein. It is the global leader in vein visualization. They overlay the map of veins onto the patient's skin to help the professionals find veins easily, whether for IVs or drawing blood.
Did you know that in more than 95% of cases, professionals cannot find veins on the first attempt? This could benefit training junior professionals and help navigate the initial hurdles of home care or remote care settings.
XR can help improve therapeutic treatments and their efficiency
If you think the importance is limited to creating immersive experiences for patients alone. Using VR, one can make some serious therapeutic chops. It could help with creating relaxing simulated environments, which can allow them to calm before the actual treatment or improve the experience before the actual treatment process.
For instance, a company in Brazil uses VR to beat the fear of vaccinations. They share an adventure story while the nurse administers the injection. The idea is to block and distract the needle. But it isn't only for the kids. It is pretty helpful in making adults calm or relaxed before significant surgeries or procedures.
These examples confirm that using XR will improve healthcare solutions and enhance patient outcomes. It will improve access to health and well-being services. With a growing population and people generally living longer, it's time that we opt for options without increasing pressure on the healthcare providers.
Let's not forget that our healthcare services are still struggling. Waiting times are long, access to certain services is still lagging, and medical treatments are immensely costly. It is time that we have an integration of next-generation technologies so that the future hospital and remote care doesn't impact at all.
Real-life example
Although XR isn't still being used for the purpose of remote care, its incredible potential in this setting goes without saying. It doesn’t matter whether the provider is 10 miles or 100 miles far away, this medium will enable interaction with a patient in the virtual environment.
Not only that, much emphasis is given to sensor-based solutions or applications, which are also relatively easy with XR devices. This will be pretty helpful for virtual patient care services. While these next-generation technologies were created to provide an immersive environment, harnessing the exact solution for healthcare could be the recipe for unique innovations coming along.
Final takeaways: Extended reality is the future of remote care
The pandemic caused widespread challenges and revealed the vulnerabilities across global healthcare systems. In response, everyone is turning to telehealth solutions which have been widely embraced and are likely to become a standard for modern care.
It won’t be wrong to say that it could be quite a deal when telehealth services become a norm in the world. XR technologies will increase acceptability, engagement, and presence. Since so many technical, logistic, and clinical barriers become hurdles, this technology can actually help bridge the gap and improve the healthcare solutions.
What do you think? Will extended reality change the path for remote care? Will it make it easier for the patients and solutions providers? Let’s wait, for now, it’s a big YES and GO for this incredible technology.
