Breathe SB

Over the past months I have endured health issues that required immediate care and had to undergo painful procedures at doctors’ offices and hospitals. Despite the issues, doctors realized I have a high tolerance to pain, and I can somewhat agree. However, this doesn’t mean that because I have a high pain tolerance, the process is easier for me than to other patients. Some health procedures can cause a lot of frustration, stress and anxiety added to the pain.

Speaking to one of my physicians, she shared that many of her patients had the same sentiment as I did, and in fact, she was already advocating for Virtual Reality technology as an alternative to opioids to be implemented in local hospitals as part of painful procedures and treatment plans.

VR is an immersive technology that makes you feel as if you’re in another world. While sitting comfortably, you put on a VR headset — goggles that give you a 360° view of a virtual environment.

Virtual Reality (VR) technology is increasingly being used in some hospitals for a range of medical applications, from patient care and education to therapy and training. Here are some examples of how VR technology is being used in hospitals:

Pain Management: VR technology has been used as a distraction tool to help patients manage pain during medical procedures. For example, patients can wear a VR headset and immerse themselves in a calming virtual environment, such as a beach or forest, which can help reduce their perception of pain.

Rehabilitation: VR technology is used in physical and occupational therapy to help patients recover from injuries or illnesses. Patients can engage in virtual exercises that mimic real-life activities, such as walking or reaching, which can help them regain strength and mobility.

Surgical Planning: VR technology can be used to create 3D models of patient anatomy, which can help surgeons plan and practice surgeries before performing them in real life. This can help reduce the risk of complications and improve outcomes.

Medical Training: VR technology can be used to provide medical students and healthcare professionals with immersive training experiences. For example, medical students can use VR to practice procedures and surgeries in a simulated environment, which can help them develop their skills and confidence.

Mental Health: VR technology is used to treat various mental health conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and phobias. Patients can engage in virtual reality exposure therapy, which involves exposure to simulated anxiety-provoking situations in a controlled environment, to help them overcome their fears.

According to a publishing from Harvard Medical School the strategies used in VR for chronic pain reduction can include mindfulness (focusing on the present moment), meditation, guided imagery, or cognitive behavioral therapy (redirecting negative thoughts to positive ones). They’re all used to control stress and mood. “Stress, anxiety, depression, and fear all contribute to pain,” says Dr. Binder, Physiatrist and Director of Innovation at Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. “A lot of evidence suggests that if you’re able to treat those, you can help reduce pain.”

VR technology has a range of medical applications in hospitals, from pain management and rehabilitation to surgical planning, medical training, and mental health treatment. This innovative technology which was believed that its sole purpose was game entertainment is proving to be more than that; a valuable tool in improving patient outcomes, enhancing medical education and training, and advancing medical research.