VR’s Potential in Healthcare Is Already a Reality
As an agency that prioritizes patient needs, Patients & Purpose is always looking for new and innovative advancements in healthcare. Virtual Reality (VR) is an emerging technology that’s still in its infancy, but has already shown a lot of promise in our industry. VR provides a level of immersion that was previously unattainable, and is being used to treat Parkinson’s, dementia, other mental health conditions, and more. As VR grows, it will be cheaper and more accessible than conventional therapies, and could become a new treatment standard.
Helping Patients With Dementia Recall Memories
Context-dependent memory is a well-established psychological phenomenon. At a basic level, it means that memories are more easily recalled when the same context (location, emotion, etc.) is present as when the memory was first created. For dementia patients under constant care, revisiting far locations is rarely feasible. That’s where VR can help. In a small study from the University of Kent, 8 dementia patients were shown a variety of virtual environments. Researchers supervised these sessions and recorded patient/caregiver testimonies. The study reported that VR helped patients recall previously forgotten memories, with the added benefit of improving patient morale. While a larger, comprehensive study is still needed, the potential to help dementia patients in 24/7 care stay mentally engaged is unmistakable.
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Allowing Parkinson’s Patients to Walk Again
Parkinson’s disease can make walking an arduous and even dangerous activity for patients. Researchers at the University of Utah created a VR program that allows patients to practice walking in a safe and controlled environment. After completing the program, all 10 Parkinson’s patients showed notable improvements in balance, avoiding obstacles, and several other skills that are tied to a lower risk of falling. In time, this technology could be a more affordable form of physical therapy for smaller facilities, or even for in-home use.
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A New Frontrunner in Healthcare Technology
As the cost to produce VR hardware goes down and the development of software improves, we should expect to see VR used to improve treatment accessibility. For many patients, the stigma or commitment associated with treatment for certain conditions can be daunting. For example, keeping a physical therapy routine can be difficult, as it typically involves traveling to a therapist on a routine basis. Having the ability to download a program that can be used privately, and on patients’ own time, could be hugely helpful. For therapies that only require a VR headset, connecting patients to beneficial care could be easier than ever.
As VR develops further, so will treatment innovations. And Patients & Purpose will be ready to act on them.
-Nate Platzner
Patients & Purpose 2019 Copy Intern
