Virtual Reality is often associated with gaming, but this technology is also increasingly used in other industries including healthcare. For example, in 2019 the company VRrelax launched a VR technology designed for healthcare. It is a scientifically validated relaxation tool and can provide a solution for patients with stress, insomnia, anxiety and depression or also as a distraction from physical discomfort and medical procedures. The app offers relaxation and distraction by taking users to virtual environments, such as beaches or forests, or where they can do interactive exercises during medical treatments for distraction. The tool is widely applicable in healthcare, including hospitals, mental health institutions, elderly care and for people with mild intellectual disabilities. It is therefore very versatile!
the Department Psychiatry of the University Groningen studied the effects of VRelax on psychiatric patients The results of this study showed that VRelax can provide a much-needed, effective, easy-to-use self-management relaxation intervention to enhance psychiatric treatments (Veling et al ., 2021).
In addition, the product can also be used to combat burnouts, absenteeism and health problems (VRelax, 2024)). Figures show that stress, burnout and physical complaints are increasing rapidly, especially among young people Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport, 2023). With the VRelax, users are taken to a beautiful and relaxing interactive world. This brings relaxation without effort (VRrelax). Research shows that VRelax reduces stress by as much as 40% within 10 minutes. VR therapy is also used in this way by the police. They must deal with intense situations in their work, are constantly on and function under high pressure ((Vels, 2022).
Virtual Reality can play a crucial role in the healthcare industry in the future. Very important to mention is the fact that these kinds of innovations focus preventing health problems instead of curing them. With the current shortages in the healthcare system, this could be THE solution for the future! Healthcare currently focuses much more on healing, but prevention is certainly not less important. Products such as the VRelax are widely applicable, relatively cheap and easy to use!
There has also been an huge increase in the demand for demand for cutting-edge digital platforms such as Stamford’s Virtual Heart or VR training simulators for clinical examinations and teaching tools (Visualise, 2022). These global virtual and augmented reality project in the healthcare market are projected toreach $18.7 billion by 2028. These new studies and project are making this now one of the most exciting times and I am very curious to see where these new developments will lead!
References
Ministerie van Volksgezondheid, Welzijn en Sport. (2023, November 15). Steeds meer beginnende mentale klachten onder jongeren door werkstress. Nieuwsbericht | Rijksoverheid.nl. https://www.rijksoverheid.nl/actueel/nieuws/2023/09/05/steeds-meer-beginnende-mentale-klachten-onder-jongeren-door-werkstress
Veling, W., Lestestuiver, B., Jongma, M., Hoenders, H. J. R., & Van Driel, C. (2021). Virtual reality relaxation for patients with a psychiatric disorder: Crossover Randomized Controlled trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 23(1), e17233. https://doi.org/10.2196/17233
Vels, E. (2022, December 30). True-to-life, low-stimulus VR environment protects workers from burnout. IO. https://innovationorigins.com/en/true-to-life-low-stimulus-vr-environment-protects-workers-from-burnout/
Visualise. (2022, October 24). Virtual reality in the healthcare industry. VISUALISE. https://visualise.com/virtual-reality/virtual-reality-healthcare
VRelax. (2024, February 15). VRelax – Ontspannen bij stress en pijn. https://vrelax.com/
