[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":285},["ShallowReactive",2],{"slug-escape-scary-painful-healthcare-appliedvr-review":3},{"post":4,"relatedPosts":174,"relatedBooks":284},{"id":5,"date":6,"date_gmt":7,"guid":8,"modified":10,"modified_gmt":11,"slug":12,"status":13,"type":14,"link":15,"title":16,"content":18,"excerpt":21,"author":23,"featured_media":24,"comment_status":25,"ping_status":25,"sticky":26,"template":27,"format":28,"meta":29,"categories":30,"tags":32,"project_category":44,"contact_email_category":45,"yst_prominent_words":46,"class_list":53,"better_featured_image":72,"acf":110,"yoast_meta":119,"_links":121},16355,"2017-09-26T16:00:51","2017-09-26T14:00:51",{"rendered":9},"http:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?p=16355","2022-05-16T15:28:49","2022-05-16T13:28:49","escape-scary-painful-healthcare-appliedvr-review","publish","post","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fescape-scary-painful-healthcare-appliedvr-review",{"rendered":17},"Escape The Scary and Painful in Healthcare: The AppliedVR Review",{"rendered":19,"protected":20},"\n\u003Ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #eee; border-top: 4px solid #444;\" cellpadding=\"5px\">\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd style=\"width: 100%;\">\n\u003Cp style=\"color: #555;font-size: 12px;line-height: 14px\">THIS ARTICLE HAS NOT BEEN UPDATED SINCE 2017. THE INFORMATION SHARED IN THE ARTICLE WAS ACCURATE AT THE TIME OF ITS PUBLICATION, BUT IT MAY BE OUT OF DATE NOW. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fmagazine\">BROWSE OUR LATEST ARTICLES HERE\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Ftd>\n\u003C\u002Ftr>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Virtual reality might be a great tool to mitigate chronic pain without painkillers or to escape the scary hospital environment without physically going anywhere. The Los Angeles-based company, appliedVR, promises a comprehensive and immersive VR experience through a wide range of VR content. I had great expectations and was excited to test their review package. Here is my ultimate verdict!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003C!--more-->\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Bringing technology to everyday care is a long and difficult process\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Average online news consumers can bump into amazing scientific innovations and medical achievements every week. On 15 September, the \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.dailymail.co.uk\u002Fsciencetech\u002Farticle-4889722\u002FAI-spot-signs-Alzheimer-s-DECADE-doctors.html#ixzz4tigOZhSB\">Daily Mail reported\u003C\u002Fa> that researchers have developed an AI that is able to detect Alzheimer’s almost 10 years earlier than doctors can by looking at symptoms alone. Two days later, another \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002F3dprint.com\u002F188112\u002Fregenerate-heart-muscle-tissue\u002F\">online magazine published an article\u003C\u002Fa> about Canadian scientists using 3D printing to regenerate heart muscle tissue. Promising research into the potential of innovative technologies is striving, and I’m thrilled to see it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, eye-catching headlines tend to overshadow and people are inclined to believe that all these amazing accomplishments are already out there, used in hospitals every day the way it was used in laboratories producing similar results. Yet, bringing disruptive technologies to the practice of medicine is a time-consuming and difficult process; while the ultimate usability and success depend on so many elements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>One of the most important aspects is the human factor. In spite of the common belief, the successful application of innovative medical technologies does not depend solely on the technology itself, the most decisive factor is always the human component. What do you make of an innovative solution if you have no idea how to use it? Missing skills for using and implementing a certain innovation into everyday care could be a major impediment for bringing healthcare into the 21st century. Virtual reality is a great example how to overcome the challenge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"580\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fhuman-factor.jpg\" alt=\"Human Factor - AppliedVR Review\" class=\"wp-image-16357\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fhuman-factor.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fhuman-factor-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fhuman-factor-512x341.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fhuman-factor-375x250.jpg 375w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>How do you bring virtual islands to suffering patients?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Cartoons with virtual squirrels searching for nuts around you, gamers chasing virtual enemies in Game of Thrones-like castles: the application of VR is quite inevitable in the entertainment industry. But what do you make of it in healthcare?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Dr. Brennan M. Spiegel and his research team at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have been \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fvirtual-reality-used-clinical-practice\u002F\">experimenting with virtual reality\u003C\u002Fa> for years. They have already treated hundreds of patients with VR therapy. His team concluded that use of VR in hospitalized patients significantly reduces pain versus a control distraction condition. An experiment showed that among 100 patients who watched a 15-minute nature video with beautiful mountains and running streams, accompanied by calming music, there was a 13 percent drop in their pain scores, while patients who watched a 15-minute animated game called Pain RelieVR had a 24 percent decline in their pain levels. That’s a very promising result, so how would I convert that to my own patients?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I’ve tried the whole range of VR devices from the simplest cardboard to the most sophisticated Oculus. The resolution got better by time and the experience has produced less and less dizziness as the technology has developed. But the real issue has never been the technology but the way it could be added to the practice of care. If I want to use VR with my patients, where do I start? What do I buy? What will I use it for? How will I evaluate the results?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Virtual Reality | Cedars-Sinai\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FzpcNhnU-Aaw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>The ultimate response: appliedVR\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fappliedvr.io\u002F\">appliedVR\u003C\u002Fa> developed a platform and a package that answers all the above questions. The company itself has great credentials: Cedars-Sinai and Brennan Spiegel’s research team has been their partner for years. Together they have completed the fourth VR study. Yet, appliedVR has also several clinical studies underway with partners including Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Cornell, Boston Children’s Hospital, George Washington University and Inova Healthcare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Josh Sackman, President of appliedVR told me that between their clinical studies and the everyday use, their solution has been in the hands of thousands of patients. They offer a variety of validated content to patients; and their ultimate aim is to extend this “VR pharmacy” to the largest possible provider of clinical VR content. There are more than 20 apps for guided meditation, games for rehabilitation, movies and animations that let users get accustomed to VR; and also documentaries that feel like a meditation session (e.g. about wildlife, oceans, and Iceland).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"344\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fappliedvr-content.jpeg\" alt=\"AppliedVR Review\" class=\"wp-image-16358\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fappliedvr-content.jpeg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fappliedvr-content-768x304.jpeg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fappliedvr-content-512x202.jpeg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fappliedvr-content-458x181.jpeg 458w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Their Bear Blast game, where you can throw red balls on bears in a virtual world, has been shown to reduce pain 24% among hospitalized patients at Cedars-Sinai. Through their Guided Relaxation, patients could reduce their anxiety during infusions, fertility procedures, in the emergency room, and other stressful situations. Others might try appliedVR’s travel experiences, as The Dolphin Swim Club’s ‘Dolphin Swim,’ when they need an escape from the isolation that occurs in hospitals, senior care facilities, and hospices.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>So when appliedVR sent me their package for a review and I couldn’t wait to start discovering the options!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Fool-proof VR device with amazing medical apps\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>When I opened the package, I found a high-end Samsung smartphone, a Samsung VR device powered by Oculus, a headset, cables, and instructions. The latter helps you set up the device and deal with the apps. It was easy to put on the device, and I also managed to attach the straps without any difficulties. The phone is easy to attach and de-attach, charging did also not cause any troubles. The device started to work immediately and I have to say it is so user-friendly I have to call it fool-proof. Its menu is unambiguous, and for its use, you either click on a button on the right side of the gadget or you click on something by just looking at it for a few seconds. That’s a very smart solution!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"725\" height=\"870\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002F20170901_121431_hdr.jpg\" alt=\"Applied VR\" class=\"wp-image-16367\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002F20170901_121431_hdr.jpg 725w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002F20170901_121431_hdr-427x512.jpg 427w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002F20170901_121431_hdr-208x250.jpg 208w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002F20170901_121431_hdr-768x922.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 725px) 100vw, 725px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Afterwards, you can immediately dive into the VR content pre-installed on the phone. You can try the various (medical) apps, games, movies or animations. The smartphone is only to check out the VR app on the phone or set the access to Wi-Fi, every other function is forbidden. I was tempted to try the Bear Blast and I enjoyed it so much already the first time that I haven’t even realized I played it for 15 minutes. The immersive experience of VR completely touched me; I can truly imagine that a patient suffering from chronic pain would entirely forget about his state after trying any of this content. I also tried guided meditation which was much more efficient than those apps such as Aura or Headspace I have used on my phone. The 3D videos look good but not good enough compared to similar videos in HD quality on Youtube.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>After the VR adventure, I did not feel any dizziness or nausea, which shows the improvement of the headset over time. Although it would be great if I could wear my glasses with the headset for a change as not seeing clearly does have repercussions regarding the entire experience.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"697\" height=\"870\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002F20170901_121501_hdr.jpg\" alt=\"Applied VR\" class=\"wp-image-16368\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002F20170901_121501_hdr.jpg 697w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002F20170901_121501_hdr-410x512.jpg 410w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002F20170901_121501_hdr-200x250.jpg 200w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002F20170901_121501_hdr-768x959.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 697px) 100vw, 697px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Don’t look at the price tag\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The only negative trait of appliedVR is its exorbitant price. You either buy the standard package for $2,588 or buy the premium one for a little bit more than $3,700 that comes with on-site training and prioritized support. The first version contains the Samsung phone, the GearVR Headset, cables, VR content and virtual training workshop.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Yet, as the \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.technologyreview.com\u002Fs\u002F601911\u002Fbetter-than-opioids-virtual-reality-could-be-your-next-painkiller\u002F\">MIT Technology Review noted\u003C\u002Fa>, typically the equipment needed to bring virtual reality into hospitals (or anywhere else, for that matter) has been extremely pricey. Hunter Hoffman, director of the virtual reality research center at the University of Washington’s Human Photonics Laboratory and a developer of a pain control game called SnowWorld, says the VR equipment he’s using as part of an intensive care unit pain-relief study costs $35,000. Now, compared to that, appliedVR is relatively affordable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>All-in-all, appliedVR is a great first step into using VR for medical purposes without prior knowledge about the technology. Still, I hope that it will become cheaper in the future so that the beneficial impacts of VR could also be sensed by the less wealthy and affluent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"870\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fappliedvr.png\" alt=\"AppliedVR Review\" class=\"wp-image-16364\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fappliedvr.png 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fappliedvr-768x768.png 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fappliedvr-150x150.png 150w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fappliedvr-512x512.png 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fappliedvr-250x250.png 250w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #eee; border-top: 4px solid #444;\" cellpadding=\"10px\">\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd style=\"width: 100%;\">\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>At The Medical Futurist, we are building a community for making a bold vision about the future of healthcare reality today.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FFIbMejImnxs\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\">\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003Cp>If you’d like to support this mission, we invite you to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">join The Medical Futurist Patreon Community\u003C\u002Fa>. A community of empowered patients, future-oriented healthcare professionals, concerned health policymakers, sensible health tech developers, and enthusiastic medical students. If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our research and sustains our future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">\u003Cstrong style=\"background-color: #e71d3299; color: #000;\">Click here to support The Medical Futurist from as little as $3\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa> – it only takes a minute. Thank you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Ftd>\n\u003C\u002Ftr>\n\u003C\u002Ftbody>\n\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n",false,{"rendered":22,"protected":20},"\u003Cp>Virtual reality might be a great tool to mitigate chronic pain without painkillers or to escape the scary hospital environment without physically going anywhere. The Los Angeles-based company, appliedVR, promises a comprehensive and immersive VR experience through a wide range of VR content. I had great expectations and was excited to test their review package. Here is my ultimate verdict!\u003C\u002Fp>\n",6,16363,"closed",true,"","standard",{"_acf_changed":20,"footnotes":27},[31],514,[33,34,35,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43],522,623,663,246,735,275,289,313,355,445,450,[],[],[47,48,49,50,51,52],2303,1631,1723,1725,1853,1883,[54,14,55,56,57,58,59,60,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,69,70,71],"post-16355","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-virtual-reality","tag-gc3","tag-review","tag-pain-management","tag-future","tag-chronic-pain","tag-healthcare","tag-innovation","tag-medicine","tag-personalized-medicine","tag-virtual-reality","tag-vr",{"id":24,"alt_text":73,"caption":27,"description":27,"media_type":74,"media_details":75,"post":5,"source_url":109},"AppliedVR","image",{"width":76,"height":77,"file":78,"sizes":79,"image_meta":106},870,569,"2017\u002F09\u002Fillustration-by-niv-bavarsky.jpg",{"medium":80,"large":86,"thumbnail":91,"medium_large":95,"large_old_512x335":96,"medium_old_382x250":101},{"file":81,"width":82,"height":83,"mime-type":84,"source_url":85},"illustration-by-niv-bavarsky-370x208.jpg",370,208,"image\u002Fjpeg","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fillustration-by-niv-bavarsky-370x208.jpg",{"file":87,"width":88,"height":89,"mime-type":84,"source_url":90},"illustration-by-niv-bavarsky-768x502.jpg",768,502,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fillustration-by-niv-bavarsky-768x502.jpg",{"file":92,"width":93,"height":93,"mime-type":84,"source_url":94},"illustration-by-niv-bavarsky-150x150.jpg",150,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fillustration-by-niv-bavarsky-150x150.jpg",{"file":87,"width":88,"height":89,"mime-type":84,"source_url":90},{"file":97,"width":98,"height":99,"mime-type":84,"source_url":100},"illustration-by-niv-bavarsky-512x335.jpg",512,335,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fillustration-by-niv-bavarsky-512x335.jpg",{"file":102,"width":103,"height":104,"mime-type":84,"source_url":105},"illustration-by-niv-bavarsky-382x250.jpg",382,250,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fillustration-by-niv-bavarsky-382x250.jpg",{"aperture":107,"credit":27,"camera":27,"caption":27,"created_timestamp":107,"copyright":27,"focal_length":107,"iso":107,"shutter_speed":107,"title":27,"orientation":107,"keywords":108},"0",[],"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F09\u002Fillustration-by-niv-bavarsky.jpg",{"related_posts":111,"related_posts_footer":115,"cta_type":27,"cta_color":27,"subtitle":27,"related_books":20},[112,113,114],13277,17731,17232,[116,117,118],17741,16640,15503,{"yoast_wpseo_title":120,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":27,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":15},"Escape The Scary and Painful in Healthcare: The AppliedVR Review - The Medical Futurist",{"self":122,"collection":128,"about":131,"author":134,"replies":137,"version-history":140,"predecessor-version":144,"wp:featuredmedia":148,"wp:attachment":151,"wp:term":154,"curies":170},[123],{"href":124,"targetHints":125},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F16355",{"allow":126},[127],"GET",[129],{"href":130},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts",[132],{"href":133},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftypes\u002Fpost",[135],{"embeddable":26,"href":136},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fusers\u002F6",[138],{"embeddable":26,"href":139},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=16355",[141],{"count":142,"href":143},20,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F16355\u002Frevisions",[145],{"id":146,"href":147},45399,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F16355\u002Frevisions\u002F45399",[149],{"embeddable":26,"href":150},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F16363",[152],{"href":153},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=16355",[155,158,161,164,167],{"taxonomy":156,"embeddable":26,"href":157},"category","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=16355",{"taxonomy":159,"embeddable":26,"href":160},"post_tag","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=16355",{"taxonomy":162,"embeddable":26,"href":163},"project_category","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=16355",{"taxonomy":165,"embeddable":26,"href":166},"contact_email_category","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=16355",{"taxonomy":168,"embeddable":26,"href":169},"yst_prominent_words","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=16355",[171],{"name":172,"href":173,"templated":26},"wp","https:\u002F\u002Fapi.w.org\u002F{rel}",[175],{"id":118,"date":176,"date_gmt":177,"guid":178,"modified":180,"modified_gmt":181,"slug":182,"status":13,"type":14,"link":183,"title":184,"content":186,"excerpt":188,"author":23,"featured_media":190,"comment_status":25,"ping_status":25,"sticky":26,"template":27,"format":28,"meta":191,"categories":192,"tags":193,"project_category":197,"contact_email_category":198,"yst_prominent_words":199,"class_list":203,"better_featured_image":208,"acf":235,"yoast_meta":240,"_links":242},"2017-04-20T17:00:36","2017-04-20T15:00:36",{"rendered":179},"http:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F?p=15503","2022-05-03T16:27:10","2022-05-03T14:27:10","virtual-reality-used-clinical-practice","https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fvirtual-reality-used-clinical-practice",{"rendered":185},"Virtual Reality Is Used in Clinical Practice",{"rendered":187,"protected":20},"\n\u003Ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #eee; border-top: 4px solid #444;\" cellpadding=\"5px\">\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd style=\"width: 100%;\">\n\u003Cp style=\"color: #555;font-size: 12px;line-height: 14px\">THIS ARTICLE HAS NOT BEEN UPDATED SINCE 2017. THE INFORMATION SHARED IN THE ARTICLE WAS ACCURATE AT THE TIME OF ITS PUBLICATION, BUT IT MAY BE OUT OF DATE NOW. \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002Fmagazine\">BROWSE OUR LATEST ARTICLES HERE\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Ftd>\n\u003C\u002Ftr>\u003C\u002Ftbody>\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Dr. Brennan M. Spiegel and his research team at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have been experimenting with virtual reality (VR) for years. I had a fruitful and very exciting correspondence with him about moments of immersion, virtual pharmacies or how to travel to Iceland without leaving your hospital bed. Read on!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003C!--more-->\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>VR is an \u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmedicalfuturist.com\u002F5-ways-medical-vr-is-changing-healthcare\u002F\">\u003Cstrong>area of endless possibilities\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>VR has not just moved the imagination of science-fiction fans, but also clinical researchers and real life medical practitioners. As a doctor, \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.medicalrealities.com\u002F\">you could assist in the OR\u003C\u002Fa> without ever lifting a scalpel. If you are a medical student, you could \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.edtechmagazine.com\u002Fhigher\u002Farticle\u002F2016\u002F08\u002Fthree-ways-med-students-can-use-virtual-reality\">study the human body more closely\u003C\u002Fa> and prepare better for real life surgeries. As a patient with mental health problems, you could \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.psychologytoday.com\u002Fblog\u002Fknow-your-mind\u002F201605\u002Fhow-virtual-reality-could-transform-mental-health-treatment\">fight your possible fear of heights, schizophrenia or paranoia\u003C\u002Fa> more successfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>And perhaps the most successful application of VR so far is its utilization for stress release and pain reduction for patients suffering from chronic pain. For example, enthusiastic university students \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.the-peak.ca\u002F2016\u002F05\u002Fsfu-students-design-virtual-reality-game-for-cancer-patients\u002F\">developed a VR game called Farmoo\u003C\u002Fa>. As its main creator, Henry Lo says “it is intended to help teen cancer patients get distracted during chemotherapy treatments so that they can focus more on the activities inside the game, rather than the treatment itself”. Researchers at the University of Washington showed in an experiment that a 40-year-old patient with 19% of his body covered in burns benefited greatly from the combination of hydrotherapy and VR usage. They even developed a Pixar-like app with a relaxing snow scene together with Firsthand Technology to help alleviate pain felt during wound care.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"579\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fvirtual-reality-in-healthcare.jpg\" alt=\"Virtual Reality in Healthcare\" class=\"wp-image-15504\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fvirtual-reality-in-healthcare.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fvirtual-reality-in-healthcare-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fvirtual-reality-in-healthcare-512x341.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fvirtual-reality-in-healthcare-376x250.jpg 376w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Brennan Spiegel and his research team\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>There are many examples already, but perhaps the most well-known is the research team at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles led by Brennan M. Spiegel, MD as the director of Health Services Research. The multidisciplinary team has a wide palette of research interest, including wearable biosensors (both developing and testing), mHealth apps, electronic health records (EHRs), patient-provider portals, and social media analytics, among other platforms. For example, they developed a biosensor that adheres to the abdominal wall, monitors digestion sounds via computer, and displays the results on an app. The device called \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fgi-logic.com\u002Fproducts\u002Fabstats\u002F\">AbStats\u003C\u002Fa> was approved by the FDA. It can be used in hospital settings to determine when to start feeding patients after an operation by using a “feeding stoplight” with three colors – red for “no feeding,” yellow for “start liquids,” and green for “start solids.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>They are also working on how to mine data out of EHRs to provide feedback and evidence-based decision support for medical professionals. The team received a $2 million \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.pcori.org\u002Fresearch-results\u002F2016\u002Fintegrating-patient-voice-comparative-effectiveness-trial-communication\">grant\u003C\u002Fa> from the Patient Centered Outcome Research Institute (PCORI) to use clinical decision support (CDS) with “\u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fwww.choosingwisely.org\u002F\">Choosing Wisely\u003C\u002Fa>” alerts to reduce inappropriate opioid over-prescribing in primary care guidelines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>However, VR embodies the most important line in their research area. They have already treated more than 300 patients with VR therapy in a pilot project. The team accumulated the first experiences with the technology, and they are aiming to conquer new horizons as well. Spiegel mentioned that they are working on an innovative VR solution for high blood pressure management.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"489\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fpatient-with-virtual-reality-goggles.jpg\" alt=\"Patient with Virtual Reality Goggles\" class=\"wp-image-15505\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fpatient-with-virtual-reality-goggles.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fpatient-with-virtual-reality-goggles-370x208.jpg 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fpatient-with-virtual-reality-goggles-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fpatient-with-virtual-reality-goggles-512x288.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fpatient-with-virtual-reality-goggles-444x250.jpg 444w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>How does VR work in reality?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The research team carried out the project at Cedars-Sinai with inpatients admitted between Aug. 5, 2015, and Dec. 31, 2015. The patients could experience VR worlds for up to 20 minutes through wearing a Samsung Gear headset. They could choose to travel to Iceland, participate in the work of an art studio or swim with whales in the ocean.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Spiegel told me that their experience showed that when VR works, it really works. But not everyone is willing yet to try it out, particularly older patients. In their first study, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fmental.jmir.org\u002F2016\u002F2\u002Fe28\u002F\">published in JMIR Mental Health\u003C\u002Fa>, they found that the average age of patients willing to try VR was 49.7 years old, whereas those unwilling to try it were 60.2 years old on average. This is consistent with the known “digital divide” between generations with regard to comfort and familiarity with using digital technologies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Virtual Reality | Cedars-Sinai\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FzpcNhnU-Aaw?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Moments of cognitive and physiologic immersion\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The team found that there are two distinct moments indicating VR is working. Spiegel calls them “the moment of cognitive immersion” and “the moment of physiologic immersion”. The first refers to the first 20 seconds of using VR, when patients realize alone or with the help of the research staff that VR has a 360-degree extension and only if they move their head, are they able to explore the scene in its entirety. Spiegel mentioned that \u003Cem>the moment they begin to move, invariably, there is a recognition that VR is different from anything experienced before\u003C\u002Fem>. \u003Cem>The patient almost always smiles, laughs, or says something like “that’s amazing!\u003C\u002Fem>”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>“The moment of physiologic immersion” comes after 3-5 minutes of using VR, after patients cognitively recognize that they are in a 3-D environment. After this realization happens in the brain, the next step is when the body also adjusts to the experience. “\u003Cem>This is most evident when we use relaxing environments, such as a nature tour or a mindful meditation experience. We can actually see that very moment when the patient takes his or her first, deep, purposeful breath”, \u003C\u002Fem>explained Spiegel. \u003Cem>This involuntary physiologic cascade does not always occur, but when it does, we know VR is having its impact. We can see it without question. It’s a beautiful thing, \u003C\u002Fem>he added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\">\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Why Virtual Reality Could Help Treat Alzheimer's and Chronic Pain\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FxAhuVEQRJs8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen>\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003C\u002Fdiv>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>What are the first results concerning pain reduction?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Spiegel and his research team \u003Ca href=\"http:\u002F\u002Fmental.jmir.org\u002F2017\u002F1\u002Fe9\u002F\">concluded another experiment, whose results were published in 2017\u003C\u002Fa>. They \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.painnewsnetwork.org\u002Fstories\u002F2017\u002F3\u002F30\u002Fvirtual-reality-relieves-pain-in-hospitalized-patients\">enrolled 100 patients\u003C\u002Fa> suffering from gastrointestinal, cardiac, neurological and post-surgical pain. Fifty patients watched a 15-minute nature video with beautiful mountains and running streams, accompanied by calming music. The other 50 patients wore VR goggles to watch a 15-minute animated game called Pain RelieVR, which was specifically designed to treat patients who have to stay in bed or have limited mobility. The experiment showed that among 100 patients who watched the nature video, there was a \u003Cstrong>13 percent drop in their pain scores\u003C\u002Fstrong>, while patients who watched the virtual reality game had a \u003Cstrong>24 percent decline in their pain levels\u003C\u002Fstrong>. That’s a very promising result!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The research team concluded that the use of VR in hospitalized patients significantly reduces pain versus a control distraction condition. However, further trials and experiments are necessary for confirming the results. Spiegel added that they are currently performing an even larger, randomized, controlled trial with a minimum of 120 patients for measuring longitudinal outcomes and plan to have more results in the next 6-8 months.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>During this study, the research team not only examines the impact of VR on patients more profoundly but also the effect of the method on resource utilization, including the use of pain medications and length of stay in the hospital. Since it is assumed that VR has the potential to reduce the cost of medication as well as the days spent in a medical facility.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cfigure class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fvr-pain-relief.jpg\" alt=\"Virtual Reality Pain Relief\" class=\"wp-image-15507\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fvr-pain-relief.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fvr-pain-relief-768x463.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fvr-pain-relief-512x309.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fvr-pain-relief-414x250.jpg 414w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>VR and its side effects?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I was wondering whether there is any truth to the fear, which appears in a lot of sci-fi movies and books, namely that VR is so addictive that its users no longer want to live in their real environment, but rather in a virtual one. The dilemma of living on\u002Foffline and its possible, utopian consequences is shown brutally for example in the sci-fi short, \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fwatch?v=UXX0TRtg5Vk\">Uncanny Valley\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>So I asked Spiegel, whether they experienced any sign of addiction during their clinical practice. He said that compared to something like opioids, which have caused a worldwide dependency epidemic of catastrophic proportions, a non-pharmacological pain remedy like VR is highly desirable and not meaningfully addictive in the same manner. He emphasized that the team has not seen patients becoming addicted to VR – far from it. The expert added that they electronically track exactly how much VR exposure each of their patients experiences as part of the study, and the average per day is around 10-15 minutes of usage. The maximum they have recorded to date is 134 minutes in a day. Spiegel added that they are just not seeing abuse of VR so far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Is VR for everyone?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>On the other hand, there is also a concern about whether VR is for everyone or are there any conditions when it is not recommended. Spiegel mentioned that for their studies, they excluded patients who could not consent (for example individuals with dementia), who were placed in contact isolation, or who had head wounds or bandages that interfere with the VR headset.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The researcher reminded that VR may cause motion sickness in some users. So they excluded patients with a history of motion sickness and vertigo, and anyone experiencing active nausea or vomiting. Patients with a history of seizures or epilepsy were also excluded to limit the theoretical risk of inducing seizures with VR (Samsung Gear user manual cites a 0.025% risk from pediatric data). However, Spiegel also emphasized that they are much stricter during their experiment to maintain the appropriate statistical crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cdiv class=\"wp-block-image\">\u003Cfigure class=\"aligncenter\">\u003Cimg loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"870\" height=\"489\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002F1712507217.rsc.cdn77.org\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fcp31nd_ueaadu5l.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-15515\" srcset=\"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fcp31nd_ueaadu5l.jpg 870w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fcp31nd_ueaadu5l-370x208.jpg 370w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fcp31nd_ueaadu5l-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fcp31nd_ueaadu5l-512x288.jpg 512w, https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fcp31nd_ueaadu5l-444x250.jpg 444w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 870px) 100vw, 870px\" \u002F>\u003C\u002Ffigure>\u003C\u002Fdiv>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>How long do we have to wait until VR pharmacies appear in hospitals?\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Spiegel believes it is fascinating how exponentially interest has grown among their colleagues at Cedars-Sinai. Their lab routinely receives calls and emails from clinicians asking us to use VR in their patients. The main limitation has been time and equipment availability. Clinicians understand the potential value of VR and are interested in trying it with their patients. \u003Cem>Time and evidence will tell if this excitement should be sustained.\u003C\u002Fem> We think it will, he added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>The researcher said that they have to shift their focus towards the visualizations themselves, as VR is just the platform. Patients have different tastes: some like to relax on a beach, others prefer to play games, some are annoyed by real-life footage, some by dynamic environments. According to Spiegel, the solution might be a so-called “VR Pharmacy” of \u003Cem>evidence-based, well-characterized visualizations that clinicians can pull off the shelf and “prescribe” to individual patients\u003C\u002Fem>. It would also help to have a formal way to match patient knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, and preferences with specific off-the-shelf visualizations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>He believes a new type of provider, “\u003Cstrong>The Virtualist\u003C\u002Fstrong>” will be born out of these needs. The Virtualist will be trained in clinical medicine, bio-psycho-social illness models, and VR technology (also augmented reality [AR] and, in the future, mixed reality [MR]), and will evaluate patients to determine the correct VR prescription. This may become a medical specialty one day. Spiegel added that they are testing a “Virtualist Consult Service” that other doctors can call to help with pain, anxiety, and inpatient distress.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ch2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u003Cstrong>Digital health has to make a difference\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>Spiegel stressed that digital devices, such as VR have to have the overall goal to improve clinical outcomes that matter. If it will not happen, they will remain in the entertainment category. Digital interventions should pass the “so what” test. How will the results be employed in the clinic? Can we act on the results? How do patients react to the innovation? These are the most relevant questions also in relation to VR and its application.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp>I truly hope developers will find the right answers; and in the 2020s, we will be able to immerse in VR worlds anywhere while being stuck in a hospital bed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Ctable style=\"width: 100%; border-collapse: collapse; background-color: #eee; border-top: 4px solid #444;\" cellpadding=\"10px\">\n\u003Ctbody>\n\u003Ctr>\n\u003Ctd style=\"width: 100%;\">\n\u003Cp>\u003Cstrong>At The Medical Futurist, we are building a community for making a bold vision about the future of healthcare reality today.\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ciframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.youtube.com\u002Fembed\u002FFIbMejImnxs\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\">\u003C\u002Fiframe>\n\u003Cp>If you’d like to support this mission, we invite you to \u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">join The Medical Futurist Patreon Community\u003C\u002Fa>. A community of empowered patients, future-oriented healthcare professionals, concerned health policymakers, sensible health tech developers, and enthusiastic medical students. If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our research and sustains our future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"https:\u002F\u002Fwww.patreon.com\u002Fthemedicalfuturist\">\u003Cstrong style=\"background-color: #e71d3299; color: #000;\">Click here to support The Medical Futurist from as little as $3\u003C\u002Fstrong>\u003C\u002Fa> – it only takes a minute. Thank you.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003C\u002Ftd>\n\u003C\u002Ftr>\n\u003C\u002Ftbody>\n\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n\n\n\n\u003Cp> \u003C\u002Fp>\n",{"rendered":189,"protected":20},"\u003Cp>Dr. Brennan M. Spiegel and his research team at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have been experimenting with virtual reality (VR) for years. I had a fruitful and very exciting correspondence with him about moments of immersion, virtual pharmacies or how to travel to Iceland without leaving your hospital bed. Read on!\u003C\u002Fp>\n",15513,{"_acf_changed":20,"footnotes":27},[31],[39,40,194,42,43,195,196,36,38],425,517,174,[],[],[52,200,201,48,49,51,202],3571,3585,1857,[204,14,55,56,57,58,59,60,67,68,205,70,71,206,207,64,66],"post-15503","tag-technology-2","tag-gc1","tag-clinical-practice",{"id":190,"alt_text":27,"caption":27,"description":27,"media_type":74,"media_details":209,"post":118,"source_url":234},{"width":76,"height":210,"file":211,"sizes":212,"image_meta":232},489,"2017\u002F04\u002Fmaxresdefault-1.jpg",{"medium":213,"large":216,"thumbnail":220,"medium_large":223,"large_old_512x288":224,"medium_old_444x250":228},{"file":214,"width":82,"height":83,"mime-type":84,"source_url":215},"maxresdefault-1-370x208.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fmaxresdefault-1-370x208.jpg",{"file":217,"width":88,"height":218,"mime-type":84,"source_url":219},"maxresdefault-1-768x432.jpg",432,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fmaxresdefault-1-768x432.jpg",{"file":221,"width":93,"height":93,"mime-type":84,"source_url":222},"maxresdefault-1-150x150.jpg","https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fmaxresdefault-1-150x150.jpg",{"file":217,"width":88,"height":218,"mime-type":84,"source_url":219},{"file":225,"width":98,"height":226,"mime-type":84,"source_url":227},"maxresdefault-1-512x288.jpg",288,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fmaxresdefault-1-512x288.jpg",{"file":229,"width":230,"height":104,"mime-type":84,"source_url":231},"maxresdefault-1-444x250.jpg",444,"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fmaxresdefault-1-444x250.jpg",{"aperture":107,"credit":27,"camera":27,"caption":27,"created_timestamp":107,"copyright":27,"focal_length":107,"iso":107,"shutter_speed":107,"title":27,"orientation":107,"keywords":233},[],"https:\u002F\u002Fcdn.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-content\u002Fuploads\u002F2017\u002F04\u002Fmaxresdefault-1.jpg",{"related_posts":236,"related_posts_footer":238,"cta_type":27,"cta_color":27,"subtitle":27,"related_books":20},[237,113,116],15375,[114,5,239],23336,{"yoast_wpseo_title":241,"yoast_wpseo_metadesc":27,"yoast_wpseo_canonical":183},"Virtual Reality Is Used in Clinical Practice - The Medical Futurist",{"self":243,"collection":248,"about":250,"author":252,"replies":254,"version-history":257,"predecessor-version":261,"wp:featuredmedia":265,"wp:attachment":268,"wp:term":271,"curies":282},[244],{"href":245,"targetHints":246},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F15503",{"allow":247},[127],[249],{"href":130},[251],{"href":133},[253],{"embeddable":26,"href":136},[255],{"embeddable":26,"href":256},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcomments?post=15503",[258],{"count":259,"href":260},29,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F15503\u002Frevisions",[262],{"id":263,"href":264},43781,"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fposts\u002F15503\u002Frevisions\u002F43781",[266],{"embeddable":26,"href":267},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia\u002F15513",[269],{"href":270},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fmedia?parent=15503",[272,274,276,278,280],{"taxonomy":156,"embeddable":26,"href":273},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcategories?post=15503",{"taxonomy":159,"embeddable":26,"href":275},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Ftags?post=15503",{"taxonomy":162,"embeddable":26,"href":277},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fproject_category?post=15503",{"taxonomy":165,"embeddable":26,"href":279},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fcontact_email_category?post=15503",{"taxonomy":168,"embeddable":26,"href":281},"https:\u002F\u002Fapi.medicalfuturist.com\u002Fwp-json\u002Fwp\u002Fv2\u002Fyst_prominent_words?post=15503",[283],{"name":172,"href":173,"templated":26},[],1789238040453]