How Virtual and Augmented Reality Will Transform Healthcare

Virtual Human Interaction Lab | Stanford University

Although entertainment, social connection, and gaming will drive the initial adoption of Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality technology, the deepest and most significant impact of the next generation of VR/AR technology will be to enhance clinical care and to improve personal health and wellness.

We know from decades of clinical research that VR/AR technology can provide breakthrough solutions that address the most difficult problems in healthcare – ranging from mood disorders such as Anxiety and Depression to PTSD, Addictions, Autism, Cognitive Aging, Stroke Recovery and Physical Rehabilitation, to name just a few.

VR technology also improved clinical measurements and assessments, can greatly improve medical training such as surgical skill training and procedure planning.  Personal health and wellness will be improved by using VR to promote healthy lifestyles and to reduce stress and anxiety.  As the cost of healthcare rises, VR technology can serve as an effective telemedicine platform to reduce costs of care delivery, and improve clinical efficiency.

This presentation will provide an overview of how VR technology will impact medicine, clinical care, and personal health and wellness, and how it will help to facilitate the shift of medicine to direct personal care.

• Walter Greenleaf, PhD, Medical VR / AR Expert, Stanford Virtual Human Interaction Lab