As a result of research conducted in the UK, it has been revealed that virtual reality (VR) is effective in reducing pain and anxiety.
The government said such technologies could be transformative for therapy and care.
According to tests with virtual reality kits on pain relief and phobias, it was stated that this technology could save the National Health System (NHS) 2 million pounds every year.
“I can’t walk, but I feel like I can walk. You can dive into the sea, look at all those fish. It relieves my anxiety. The virtual reality kit can be very helpful,” says Sarah Hill, who needs full-time care after suffering a hypoxic brain injury.
Physiotherapist Pamela Hicken says the VR kit increased Hill’s courage to move and her willingness to interact.
“My patients who could not speak before now talk to the people and animals in the video”.
VR is growing rapidly in the global healthcare industry and the global value of the industry is expected to be $1.2 billion in 2024.
Specialist Carl-Anne Quinn from the Welsh government says three-dimensional technologies will greatly help the health and social care system of the future.
Working on this issue in the mental health service, the founder of Oxford VR, Prof. “Given the positive results we’re seeing now, I think this technology will play a big role in the future,” Daniel Freeman told the BBC.
Matt Wordley, from Wales-based biotech company Rescape Innovation, said the NHS has so far not had a VR budget, but the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the adoption of 3D technology in the healthcare industry.
However, according to the BBC’s report, experts say that poorly designed VRs can cause problems such as fatigue and nausea.