Virtual Reality (VR) technology has affected numerous industries, including the healthcare industry. The ability to provide immersive and risk-free conditions for difficult medical procedures, diagnosis, and treatment has VR technology set to revolutionize the healthcare sector. According to market insights, the global VR in healthcare market size is projected to grow from USD 628.0 million in 2022 to USD 6.20 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 38.7% during the forecast period. Here’s four key points to consider.
COVID-19 verified use case:
During the pandemic, the healthcare industry faced unprecedented challenges, with medical personnel facing the need to provide critical care while ensuring the safety of patients and themselves. Virtual reality technologies played a significant role in the healthcare industry by providing real-time radiographic insights into the impact of the disease on patients’ bodies. Additionally, virtual rehab sessions using VR technology assisted patients in recovering from Post-intensive Care Syndrome, which affects the majority of COVID-19 recovered patients.
Training:
One of the significant advantages of VR technology in healthcare is the ability to train medical professionals in a virtual environment before dealing with actual patients. Surgeons, for example, can practice surgical procedures in virtual environments, which allows them to refine their skills and reduce the risk of errors during real surgeries.
Consumer Wearables and diagnosing:
The merging of virtual reality with wearable devices such as rings, fit bands, fitness trackers, goggles, headsets, and others is anticipated to broaden the use of VR in healthcare businesses. Wearables have become a significant trend in the healthcare field, providing medical professionals with real-time data on patients’ health, reducing hospital stays and improving patient outcomes. Vivid Vision, a San Francisco-based vision care service, uses virtual reality to address lazy eye medical issues. Professionals can quickly identify, diagnose, teach, and treat health conditions with virtual reality medical care.
Therapy:
Pain management is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The technology is widely adopted for medical education and training professionals. Virtual reality is rapidly used in different therapy sessions such as pain management (with strategies like mindfulness through guided imagery), damage evaluation and rehabilitation, social cognition training for autistic patients, stroke recovery, and PTSD. Virtual reality therapy has proven to be effective in treating chronic pain, reducing reliance on medication, and improving patient quality of life.