How metaverse can transform the healthcare industry

The metaverse is described as "the future of the internet." It is a space where the virtual and real world overlaps creating a 3D universe that connects multiple virtual spaces. The concept is still in the nascent stage, but is witnessing wide-scale adoption. Industries such as healthcare are investing in R&D of the metaverse as it could prove highly beneficial.

The metaverse can combine emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and cloud and edge computing to create innovative solutions. Some of the ways in which metaverse could revolutionize healthcare are mentioned below:

Education and training: The metaverse can remove the limitation of physical barriers, and ensure healthcare workers receive education and training even at the most remote places. Furthermore, it can help upskill individuals in healthcare treatments by creating a simulated real-life environment without risking patients' life. Veyond Metaverse, which has forayed into the metaverse space, aims at bringing together healthcare professionals for education, training, and planning concurrently. The platform uses cloud and real-time communication technology so doctors can practice their skills with the highest accuracy.

Health and nutrition: The metaverse can encourage healthy habits in people as individuals can discuss their health regime and diet with peers to make sure they too are leading a healthy lifestyle. Patients can also compare their vitals and other parameters with those suffering from the same conditions. It can help them understand how well they are faring as well as share advice and treatment options with those who have already undergone them.

Mental health: The global pandemic led to a rise in conditions such as depression, anxiety, and addictive behaviours. Furthermore, disorders such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia exacerbated in patients due to forced isolation. The metaverse can be effective in counselling mental disorder patients and encouraging follow-ups. As the metaverse can create illusory experiences, it can help patients deal with psychosis, hallucinations, and anxiety issues. Moreover, it can assist in recreating a situation in the patient's mind in VR but give them control of the situation to overcome fear. For instance, Dr. Daniel Freeman and his colleagues at Oxford University have developed a VR system called gameChange. The system uses VR to treat psychosis using a medical technology called digital therapeutics or DTx.

Teleconsultation: While telemedicine has already seen adoption during the pandemic, its features can be further enhanced by the metaverse. It would allow patients to wait in a virtual office and meet the physician at a 3D location, making the consultation more informative and smarter.

Collaborative surgeries: The metaverse enables physicians and surgeons to share information on intricate surgeries. Specialists can also attend the surgeries remotely, offering their guidance. Technologies such as AR and robotics are already being employed in surgeries. Neurosurgeons at Johns Hopkins recently used AR to remove a cancerous tumour from a patient's spine. The metaverse would be another step in improving the features of these technologies.

Technological penetration in the healthcare domain has made it evident that metaverse would soon be a part of most key healthcare brands. Some initiatives are already underway:

Latus Healthcare is developing a 'virtual hospital' that would have a realistic hospital environment and physiotherapy-focused treatments. iMining is the first hospital launched on Decentraland Metaverse. Apollo Hospitals is investing in creating a metaverse in collaboration with 8chili Inc. Smart tech-enabled healthcare platform GOQii is launching a health metaverse in partnership with Animoca Brands.

These are just a few names in the growing list of hospitals and healthcare companies jumping on the metaverse bandwagon. The Metaverse would be an effective tool in helping caregivers give the best therapy with the aid of technology and in allowing patients to avail of top-notch services and treatment. The metaverse is set to revolutionize healthcare and make medical facilities technologically advanced.

(The author is Senior Manager – Technology Research and Advisory, Aranca)