This week’s dive takes us back to 1991 with a visionary editorial from The Lancet titled “Being and believing: ethics of virtual reality.” This piece not only reflects on the early potential of virtual reality (VR) in healthcare but also engages deeply with the ethical implications that accompany technological advancements in the medical field. Dive deeper here: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PII0140-6736(91)90421-K/fulltext  Study Overview: The Lancet editorial provides an early examination of VR’s role in healthcare, speculating on its future applications and raisi ..read more

VRforHealth has been supporting the great work of 18Loop and ACCO since April 2022. On this second anniversary of their partnership, Denise Silber interviewed both Greg Tarnacki (18Loop) and Ruth Hoffman (ACCO). VRforHealth: Greg, How did you become interested  in applying virtual reality to help children suffering from illnesses and subsequently contact ACCO ? Greg: I started 18Loop after a 20 year career in technology sales and a year stint in Americorps. I was a VISTA, or Volunteer In Service To America. My Americorps service fueled my interest in the nonprofit world, and I was intent ..read more

Today’s deep dive brings us to a significant study titled “Validation of Key Components in Designing Social Skills Training Content Using Virtual Reality for High Functioning Autism Youth—A Fuzzy Delphi Method” by Ahmad Basri et al. This research leverages the Fuzzy Delphi method to reach a consensus on vital components necessary for developing effective VR-based social skills training for youth with High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder (HFASD). Dive deeper into the study here: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0301517  Study Overview: This research, utilizing the Fuzzy Delphi ..read more

This week, we dive into the multifaceted impact of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) in critical care medicine, as detailed in “Virtual and Augmented Reality in Critical Care Medicine” by Bruno et al. The review offers valuable guidelines and insights from the vantage points of patients, families, healthcare providers, and researchers, outlining a comprehensive view of VR/AR’s role in modern healthcare. Check out the full review: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9593998/ Key Takeaways: Patient Perspective: Alleviating Stress and Anxiety: VR contributes to a more s ..read more

This Sunday, we delve into a compelling domain at the crossroads of virtual reality (VR) and therapeutic interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our focus is on the review by Liu et al., “The Use of Virtual Reality Technology in the Teaching of Safety Skills to Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder,” showcasing how VR can be effectively utilized to teach vital safety skills, also known as transitions. Dive into the full review here: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/14/2/82 Key Takeaways: VR’s Potential: A safe, dynamic and engaging platform, VR offers a unique way for those with ..read more

VRforHealth.com encourages you to attend the 8th Annual Virtual Reality & Healthcare Global Symposium, organized by Bob Fine and team. The Conference Goal is “Fostering Partnership and Collaboration in Healthcare“. Running from February 29 – March 3, 2024, there are two sequential venues, both in Florida. Ringling College of Art & Design2700 N. Tamiami Trail Sarasota, FL 34234 February 29 – March 1 Moffitt Cancer Center12902 USF Magnolia Drive Tampa, FL 33612 March 2-3 CME Credits Will Be Offered for ACCME and ANCC. How is this conference different ? A strong focus on prov ..read more

Today’s dive reviews “Cognitive Effort during Visuospatial Problem Solving in Physical Real World, on Computer Screen, and in Virtual Reality” by Raimundo da Silva Soares Jr. et al. This study stands at the intersection of cognitive science and neuroergonomics by examining how different settings influence cognitive workload during visuospatial tasks. Dive deeper into the study here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38339693/  Study Overview: Neuroergonomics Approach: Anchored in neuroergonomics, the study aims to elucidate the neural mechanisms involved in cognitive workload across var ..read more

In this week’s dive, we’re exploring a study published in JMIR Medical Education by Megan Gray et al., showcasing a novel integration of generative AI—specifically ChatGPT—with the VANESSA Virtual Standardized Patient (VSP) system for prenatal counseling education. This approach employs a 2D screen-based interface, allowing healthcare professionals to engage in simulated conversations with virtual patients, enhancing the educational experience with realistic and emotionally rich dialogues. Dive deeper into the study here: https://mededu.jmir.org/2024/1/e50705 Study Overview: The research te ..read more

Today’s deep dive looks into “Applications of Artificial Intelligence in the Neuropsychological Assessment of Dementia” by Veneziani et al., a systematic review that emphasizes the synergy between Virtual Reality (VR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in neuropsychology for dementia diagnosis. Check it out on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38276235/ Key Insights: Study Overview: The review discusses the integration of AI, particularly Machine Learning (ML), with traditional neuropsychological assessments, enhancing diagnostics for cognitive disorders, especially Mild Cognitive Impa ..read more

Today’s exploration delves into the study: “An Intervention Study Using a Virtual Reality-Based Exercise on Cognitive Functions in Older Adults with Mild Cognitive Impairment” by Baldimtsi et al.. This study examines the effectiveness of combining physical and cognitive exercises within a VR environment to enhance cognitive functions in older adults with MCI. Full article: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10789285/  Study Details:  The study involved 122 older adults with MCI, divided into five groups: VRADA (VR-based exercise), a bike group, a physical exercise group ..read more